Technology

Panera Bread taps DoorDash, Wing to offer drone deliveries in Charlotte

Photos: DoorDash

May 14, 2025

DoorDash and Wing, a drone delivery service, have partnered to launch drone delivery in Charlotte, markingthe first time the service is available to city residents. Customers near The Arboretum Shopping Center can order from select restaurants, including Panera Bread, Curry Junction, Matcha Cafe Maiko, Joa Korean food, for drone delivery via the DoorDash app.

"Autonomous delivery will help shape the future of local logistics, and we're proud to introduce drone delivery to Charlotte for the first time with Wing," Harrison Shih, head of Product for DoorDash Labs, said in a company press release. "What makes this launch special isn't just the technology, it's the experience."

Panera Bread is the first national partner in Charlotte to offer drone delivery. To celebrate the launch, customers get a $1 mac & cheese delivered by drone for a limited time.

"We are committed to continuously redefining convenience and unlocking innovative ways to enhance the Panera experience, and we're thrilled to partner with DoorDash and Wing on this pilot," Meenakshi Nagarajan, chief digital officer for Panera Bread, said in the release.

How it works

To get started with drone delivery on DoorDash, eligible residents browsing the DoorDash app will notice the "Drone" icon on the homepage of their app. Tapping that will let them browse restaurants eligible for drone delivery.

If the items they choose meet the size and weight criteria, shoppers may select drone delivery during checkout. After confirming their delivery location, they'll receive live tracking updates as the drone approaches.

The Charlotte expansion follows previous drone delivery launches by DoorDash and Wing in Australia, Southwest Virginia and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The companies plan to expand to more Charlotte neighborhoods later this year. Eligible customers can check their address and sign up for updates at wing.com/charlotte.