After years of stalled pilot programs, abandoned hype, and government red tape, drone delivery in the U.S. is finally lifting off for real this time.
Leading brands such as Chipotle, DoorDash, and GoTo Foods (home to Auntie Anne’s and Jamba) have launched new pilot programs across Texas suburbs, bringing drone-powered burrito drops and smoothie flights to real customers. And unlike earlier stunts that fizzled out quickly, this new wave of trials is showing signs of true scalability, industry insiders say.
“I do think it's an inflection point for the industry,” said Kent Ferguson, head of partnerships at Wing (owned by Alphabet). “We now have the regulatory framework, infrastructure, and the aircraft to serve millions.”
Chipotle and DoorDash Are Bringing Drones to the Dinner Table
In August, Chipotle began working with logistics company Zipline to deliver food orders via drone in the Dallas area. In June, DoorDash joined forces with Wing to roll out drone delivery for GoTo Foods brands like Auntie Anne’s and Jamba in Frisco, Fort Worth, and Plano, Texas.
These efforts follow earlier attempts by companies like El Pollo Loco, which briefly partnered with Flytrex in 2021 but didn’t scale. Now, according to executives across the space, the difference is infrastructure readiness and regulatory support.
It’s Not Just Gimmicks Anymore Retailers Are Gaining Real Benefits
From a logistics perspective, drone delivery works similarly to car-based or robot-based delivery. As Kieran Donahue, Chief Commercial Officer at GoTo Foods, put it: the basics still matter.
“We still have to get the right items in the bag, ensure food is hot and fresh whether it’s handed off to a drone or a DoorDasher in a car.”
But for businesses, drones can offer clear strategic advantages:
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Faster delivery times
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Lower labor costs
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Expanded reach without adding new store locations
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Novelty that boosts customer satisfaction
Even Walmart and Amazon are expanding their drone operations, looking to use them for grocery and essentials delivery, potentially revolutionizing the last-mile logistics landscape.
Regulatory Breakthrough: Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
For years, the biggest obstacle wasn’t the tech it was government regulation.
That began to shift in June with an executive order from President Donald Trump that laid the groundwork for routine “Beyond Visual Line of Sight” (BVLOS) drone operations. This was a watershed moment for drone operators who were previously limited by line-of-sight rules.
“Before this, you literally had people standing on rooftops to hand off drone control from one to another,” said L.R. Fox, CEO of WhiteFox Defense Technologies and Vice Chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Drone Committee.
With the new framework, the FAA and Department of Transportation can now approve commercial drone flights that go beyond a controller’s direct line of sight allowing for true scalability and network-based operations.
Texas Is the Testing Ground for the Future of Flight
So why Texas?
According to Harrison Shih, head of DoorDash’s Drone Program, Texas suburbs offer the ideal test environment:
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Flat terrain and clear skies
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Suburban layout with single-family homes
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Low air traffic congestion
Other locations like Charlotte, North Carolina are also in testing, providing data for expanding drone networks into denser urban environments in the future.
“Hopefully, by 2026, we’ll be able to enter major metro markets with robust drone coverage,” Shih added.
But Not Everyone’s On Board: Safety and Noise Are Still Issues
Despite progress, public sentiment around drones remains mixed. A 2024 Vanderbilt survey found:
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70% of Americans worry drones will disturb neighborhoods
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51% oppose expanding airspace for drone operations
Security concerns are also serious. Fox pointed out that local police currently cannot legally disable or intercept rogue drones, even in emergencies, because it’s a federal jurisdiction issue.
“Right now, if someone launched a drone with a bomb on it, local police couldn’t stop it it’s crazy,” Fox said.
Efforts are underway to expand authority at the state and local level, but legislation remains stalled.
Drone Delivery Won’t Be to Your Window Yet
Forget the sci-fi fantasies of drones dropping packages onto your apartment balcony. For now, drone deliveries require clear outdoor drop zones, usually the size of a picnic blanket.
Customers designate the drop zone in the app and companies like Zipline are working hard to address noise and flight path concerns.
“The drones are high enough when they release the payload that the buzzing sound isn’t noticeable,” said Curt Garner, CTO at Chipotle.
And while blade noise and safety zones are still hurdles, companies say their designs and protocols are evolving quickly to minimize disruption.
The Future of Delivery Might Hover Right Overhead
After a decade of tech demos and dashed expectations, drone delivery appears ready for its real-world moment. Thanks to more lenient regulations, better aircraft, and partnerships with trusted brands, the concept has evolved from a novelty into a viable business tool.
And while skeptics may remain, the potential to shave minutes off delivery times, lower costs, and reach customers where drivers can’t like parks, cul-de-sacs, and sports fields is no longer hypothetical.
The future of takeout might not arrive in a car.
It might descend from the sky.
