Grubhub is testing Dexa’s drone delivery service for customers ordering from Wonder’s Green Brook restaurant in New Jersey.

The initiative is said to be the first time drone technology will be used for commercial food delivery in the state.

Beginning this week, eligible customers within a 4km delivery radius of Wonder’s Green Brook location can order through the Grubhub app and opt for drone delivery, which should arrive faster than traditional delivery methods, and at no additional cost beyond standard delivery and service fees. The three-month programme will test the integration of aerial technology within Grubhub’s existing marketplace and mark the first time Grubhub and Wonder are bringing drone delivery to customers.

Through Wonder’s multi-restaurant model, diners can choose from 15 concepts for drone delivery, all prepared to order within one location.

“Our partnership with Dexa represents a major step forward in Grubhub’s commitment to delivery innovation,” said Abhishek “PJ” Poykayil, senior vice president 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.”

The programme features Dexa’s DE-2020, an automated delivery aircraft designed to transport goods directly to customers’ homes. Dexa is one of four US companies that both manufactures and operates FAA Part 135 Air Carrier-certified delivery drones. The company’s operations meet all FAA safety requirements, ensuring every flight is conducted with high levels of safety, oversight and compliance.

Before each flight, Dexa’s 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 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 prioritise safety and reduce 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, CEO of Dexa. “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 programme with Dexa (flydexa.com) follows Grubhub’s legacy of being at the forefront of delivery innovation and operations, with several robot and autonomous delivery partnerships across the country. Following the three-month test, Grubhub will evaluate learnings and explore expanding drone delivery to additional nearby restaurants.

Grubhub (www.grubhub.com) is a US ordering and delivery marketplace dedicated to connecting customers with local restaurants, merchants and convenience retailers. Part of Wonder (www.wonder.com), Grubhub has over 415,000 merchants in more than 4000 US cities.