Grubhub and drone delivery company Dexa have announced a three-month test program that will bring drone food delivery to customers in Green Brook, New Jersey, marking the first time commercial drone delivery has been used for food orders in the state. The program began accepting orders on March 18, 2026, through the Grubhub app, with deliveries fulfilled by Dexa’s DE-2020 autonomous delivery aircraft.
Eligible customers within a 2.5-mile radius of Wonder’s Green Brook location can select drone delivery at no additional cost beyond standard delivery and service fees. The program integrates Dexa’s aerial technology directly into Grubhub’s existing marketplace platform, allowing diners to track their orders in real time from preparation through delivery. Wonder’s Green Brook location serves as the launch site because of its multi-restaurant model, which allows customers to choose from 15 different food concepts all prepared within a single facility.
How the Drone Food Delivery System Works
The DE-2020 is a fully automated delivery aircraft built and operated by Dexa. The company is one of only four U.S. businesses that both manufactures and operates Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 Air Carrier-certified delivery drones, meaning its operations meet all FAA safety requirements. Before each flight, Dexa’s trained flight crews confirm that items are packaged correctly and secured according to operational and food-safety standards.
Once airborne, the drone follows approved flight paths designed to reduce noise and minimize disruption to surrounding neighborhoods. Upon arrival, the aircraft places orders on the ground using a controlled tether system rather than landing directly. Dexa powers the DE-2020 with advanced autonomy and secure communications technology, which the company says is engineered for precision and reliable operation in real-world conditions.
On the customer side, delivery tracking, estimated arrival notifications, order confirmations, and support are all managed through the Grubhub platform. Diners and restaurant staff both have access to real-time GPS tracking throughout the delivery process.
“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.” Abhishek “PJ” Poykayil, SVP of Customer Delivery Operations at Wonder and Grubhub
What Comes Next for the Program
Ahead of the March 18 launch, Grubhub and Dexa hosted a community event on March 16 in Green Brook with live drone demonstrations scheduled at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET, giving local residents a firsthand look at the technology before the program went live.
“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.” Beth Flippo, Chief Executive Officer of Dexa
Following the three-month test period, Grubhub plans to evaluate results from the Green Brook program and explore whether drone food delivery can be extended to additional restaurant partners in the area. The Grubhub-Dexa collaboration is part of a broader pattern for the company, which has previously partnered with robot and autonomous delivery services in other U.S. markets. Wonder, Grubhub’s parent company, operates across more than 415,000 merchants in over 4,000 U.S. cities.
