New Jersey's first drone food delivery service to begin Wednesday
Officials say deliveries could arrive in just a few minutes. The drones will operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to sunset and orders must be under $40.
New Jersey is taking food delivery to new heights. The state’s first-ever drone food delivery service is launching in Somerset County, with orders ready to start Wednesday morning.
Grubhub is teaming up with drone technology company DEXA and the restaurant hub Wonder in Green Brook to pilot the program. Customers within a 2.5-mile radius of Wonder can order through the Grubhub app and select drone delivery.
Officials say deliveries could arrive in just a few minutes. The drones will operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to sunset and orders must be under $40.
During a demonstration Tuesday morning, strong winds kept the drone grounded. Company officials emphasize that drones will not fly in bad weather, prioritizing safety above all.
RELATED: N.J.'s first drone food delivery to be tested by Grubhub, Dexa next week
Here’s how it works: The drone climbs about 350 feet, high enough that most people can’t see or hear it. When it reaches the delivery location, it descends to about 8 feet and lowers the food using a tether system. Once the box is on the ground, the drone flies back to the store.
Wonder offers a variety of menu items for drone delivery, including pasta, pizza, burgers, Lebanese dishes, and Mexican food. Not all items are available, but many fit in the delivery box.
DEXA expects to complete about four deliveries per hour. If the three-month pilot program goes well, drone delivery could expand to other locations across New Jersey.
For now, residents in Somerset County can experience the future of food delivery, right from the sky.
