Grubhub is testing a program in New Jersey to deliver food by drone, marking the first time unmanned aerial vehicle technology will be used for commercial food delivery in the Garden State.
The three-month trial run is in partnership with the food hall company Wonder, GrubHub’s parent company.
Wonder’s multi-restaurant model offers diners the choice of 15 concepts for drone delivery, all prepared to order at a single location. The blend of culinary variety, quality, and operational efficiency creates a seamless experience that pairs naturally with the speed and precision of drone delivery, Grubhub said in a statement.
“We are dedicated to becoming a leader in responsible and transparent food sourcing,” per Wonder’s website. Wonder plans to:
- Use seasonal and organic ingredients whenever possible
- Purchase food grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and/or using regenerative practices
- Source meat and poultry that is humanely raised and processed, without added antibiotics or hormones
- Work with leaders in sustainable farming and aquaculture practices
The Technology Behind the Program
Customers within a 2.5-mile radius of the local Wonder food hall can select drone delivery via the Grubhub app for no additional cost. The fully autonomous hexacopters, developed and operated by Dexa Drone Express, deliver meals in under 15 minutes.
The drone food delivery program features Dexa’s DE-2020, an autonomous hexacopter designed to transport goods directly to customers’ homes. Dexa is one of only four U.S. companies that both manufacture and operate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Air Carrier–certified delivery drones, according to a statement from Grubhub.
Key Features of the DE-2020 Drone
- Performance: Cruises at 40 mph and carries payloads of up to 5 lbs.
- Safety Systems: Features parachute recovery and AI-powered logistics for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) flights.
- Delivery Mechanism: Uses a tether system to safely lower packages to the ground while the drone remains in the air.
- Navigation: Uses 4G LTE/900 MHz for communication and Microsoft-developed navigation systems.
- Operations: Developed by Telegrid, it is used in partnerships with companies like Grubhub for food delivery.
Designed for commercial drone-powered food delivery with Grubhub in New Jersey, the trial run launched on March 18 in Green Brook. Dexa’s operations meet all FAA safety requirements, ensuring that every flight is conducted with the highest levels of safety, oversight, and compliance.
Developed by Dayton-based Drone Express, the 5-lb payload-capacity aircraft features a 40-mph cruise speed, a parachute safety system, and a tether system for precision, ground-level delivery, according to Flying Magazine.
“Our partnership with Dexa represents a major step forward in Grubhub’s commitment to delivery innovation,” said Abhishek “PJ” Poykayil, SVP of Customer Delivery Operations at Wonder and Grubhub.
“By connecting Grubhub’s marketplace expertise, Wonder’s innovative mealtime platform, and Dexa’s expansive drone technology, we’re proud to introduce a faster and more efficient way for New Jersey diners to experience food delivery without compromising safety or reliability,” Poykayil said.
Engineered For Precision, Safety, Reliability
Before each flight, Dexa’s trained flight crews verify that all items are packaged correctly and secured in accordance with operational and food‑safety standards. During delivery, the drone places orders on the ground using a controlled tether system.
Powered by advanced autonomy and secure communications technology, the DE‑2020 is engineered for precision, reliability, and safe operation in real‑world conditions. Deliveries follow approved flight paths designed to prioritize safety and minimize noise and disruption to surrounding communities.
The workflow is seamless, with delivery tracking, customer communication, and support managed through the Grubhub platform. Diners and staff can access real‑time GPS tracking, estimated arrival notifications, and order confirmations, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience from start to finish.
“Consumers want delivery that’s faster and more reliable — and this collaboration shows what’s possible when industry innovators come together,” said Beth Flippo, Dexa Chief Executive Officer.
“This service is a glimpse into the future of how autonomous technology will help restaurants and retailers serve customers at a completely new level,” Flippo added.
Following the three-month test program, Grubhub will evaluate learnings and explore expanding drone delivery to additional nearby restaurant partners.
About Grubhub
Grubhub is an ordering and delivery marketplace connecting customers with local restaurants, merchants, and convenience retailers. The easy-to-use online ordering platform leverages innovative restaurant technology to improve the delivery experience. Part of Wonder, Grubhub features over 415,000 merchants in more than 4,000 U.S. cities.
Grubhub was co-founded by Matt Maloney and Mike Evans in 2004 in Chicago, Illinois. They sold the business to Just Eat Takeaway.com, headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, for $7.3 billion in October, 2021.
In January 2025, Wonder acquired Grubhub from Just Eat Takeaway.com for $650 million, along with $500 million in debt.
About Wonder
Wonder is a food hall-delivery startup founded by billionaire entrepreneur Marc Lore. The company aims to revolutionize the food delivery experience. Wonder started as a food truck business in New Jersey, working with celebrity chefs and local eateries. It transformed into a network of kitchens providing restaurant-quality meals.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York City, Wonder has raised $1.25 billion in investor capital, $250 million of which was announced at the end of 2024. The company also acquired meal kit provider Blue Apron in 2023.
About DEXA
Dexa is working to transform last-mile logistics through safe, scalable autonomous commercial aviation. The company helps restaurants, retailers, and enterprise partners deliver products faster, fresher, and more efficiently through fully automated airborne delivery solutions.
By combining advanced aircraft design, FAA-certified operations, and deep operational expertise, Dexa improves delivery speed, product quality, and customer experience. It is working to make autonomous drone delivery a practical, everyday reality.