Wendy’s delivering food by drone for first time – Washington Times

In a groundbreaking move that could redefine fast-food delivery, DoorDash and Alphabet’s Wing have embarked on a unique partnership to deliver Wendy’s meals with drone technology.
This revolutionary service was launched as a pilot program in Christiansburg, Virginia, right next to college town Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech, and promises delivery times of under 30 minutes.

“Select local consumers will be able to order eligible menu items from Wendy’s — the pilot’s first restaurant partner — through the DoorDash marketplace and have them delivered via drone,” a DoorDash spokesman told The New York Post.
The arrangement allows for various Wendy’s favorites, including the signature Baconators, Frosties, and even chili, to be transported at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour directly to customers’ homes. Items will be gently landed on lawns or designated landing areas by Wing’s drones.

The innovative delivery option was introduced Thursday and is currently accessible to residents living within a 2.5-mile radius of a Wendy’s location in Christiansburg. To use the service, customers are simply required to choose the “deliver by drone” option when placing their orders through DoorDash.
DoorDash has ambitious plans to broaden the scope of this service beyond Christiansburg, aiming to introduce drone deliveries to additional U.S. cities before year’s end. The venture not only marks a significant leap in the utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles in commercial settings but also offers a glimpse into the future of food delivery services.
“We’re optimistic about the value drone delivery will bring to our platform as we work to offer more efficient, sustainable, and convenient delivery options for consumers,” said Harrison Shih, Senior Director of DoorDash Labs.

• Staff can be reached at 202-636-3000.