Wonder, Grubhub test NJ’s first drone food delivery pilot

The basics:

• Wonder, Grubhub will pilot NJ’s first drone food delivery in Green Brook starting March 18
• Drone delivery available for orders within 2.5-mile radius, with average arrival in about 4 minutes
• Program powered by FAA Part 135-certified autonomous delivery company Dexa
• After 3-month pilot, companies will evaluate expanding drone delivery to other local restaurant partners

Upscale food hall chain Wonder is set to become the first eatery in New Jersey to offer customers the option of having orders delivered by drone.

The new three-month pilot program starts March 18 in Green Brook. Autonomous delivery technology company Dexa will test the integration of drones within Wonder-owned on-demand delivery platform Grubhub.

As part of the plan, customers who order from the Somerset County Wonder location using the Grubhub app can choose delivery by drone if their address is within a 2.5-mile radius. Based on the size of the delivery zone, the average time for meals to arrive is about four minutes, a spokesperson told NJBIZ.

According to the partners, customers incur no additional cost beyond standard delivery and service fees.

Founded by billionaire Marc Lore, Wonder allows customers to mix and match from a collection of nearly two dozen acclaimed chefs and eateries. Everything is made-to-order for delivery, pick-up or limited dining at one of Wonder’s 100-plus locations across the Northeast.

Wonder believes its blend of “culinary variety, quality and operational efficiency” creates a “seamless experience that pairs naturally with the speed and precision of drone delivery.”

Food flight

Headquartered in Ohio, Dexa develops fully automated drones for last-mile delivery of food, groceries and retail goods.

Dexa is one of only four U.S. companies that both manufactures and operates Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 Air Carrier-certified delivery drones.

Since securing federal approval in April 2025, the startup has partnered with other companies, too. Collaborators also include supermarket banner Kroger. And Dexa worked with pizza chain Papa John’s to run pilot delivery programs in select U.S. markets.

Before each flight, trained crews check that all orders are properly packaged and secured according to food safety and operational standards. Upon arrival, the drone sets items on the ground using a controlled tethered system, Dexa said. Drones follow approved flight paths that prioritize safety and minimize noise or disruption to nearby communities, according to the company.

The Grubhub platform will manage delivery tracking, customer communication and support, the partners said.

Following the pilot, Wonder said it will evaluate the program and explore expanding drone delivery to additional nearby Grubhub restaurant partners.

Takeout takeoff

Currently, food drone delivery is active only in select test markets. FAA regulations, airspace challenges and infrastructure needs limit expansion nationwide.

Entities such as Amazon Prime Air and Alphabet-owned Wing also operate partnerships with companies such as Door Dash and Walmart to bring meals and groceries to customers by air.

Wonder Senior Vice President of Customer Delivery Operations Abhishek Poykayil said, “Our partnership with Dexa represents a major step forward in Grubhub’s commitment to delivery innovation. 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.”

Residents can get a preview of the technology during a March 16 community event at Wonder in Green Brook. The eatery plans to hold drone demonstrations at noon and 4 p.m., according to the partners. In the event of inclement weather, the program will take place March 17.

Dexa CEO Beth Flippo said, “Consumers want delivery that’s faster and more reliable – and this collaboration shows what’s possible when industry innovators come together. This service is a glimpse into the future of how autonomous technology will help restaurants and retailers serve customers at a completely new level.”

The program comes about five months after Grubhub teamed up with autonomous vehicle startup Avride to test out robot-powered delivery at Wonder’s outpost in Jersey City. Following that pilot, Grubhub plans to bring the service to other markets nationwide.