In a groundbreaking move for local logistics, DoorDash and Wing have introduced drone delivery in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the city’s first foray into aerial food transport. Starting today, customers near The Arboretum Shopping Center can order from local favorites like Curry Junction and national chains like Panera Bread, with deliveries arriving in as little as 15 minutes via drone. This expansion builds on a partnership that began in Australia in 2022 and has since grown to include parts of Virginia and Dallas.
Technology Powering Aerial Delivery
Wing’s drones, capable of flying at 65 mph and ascending to 200 feet, operate from a local hub where packages are loaded. Orders must meet specific size and weight criteria, ensuring safe transport. Once airborne, the drone navigates to the delivery address, hovers at about 23 feet, and lowers the parcel via tether. Customers track the process live through the DoorDash app, which displays a “Drone” icon for eligible users within a 4-mile radius of the hub. After delivery, the drone returns to its hub, landing on a contact charger for rapid turnaround.
“There’s something special about watching your order arrive by air in minutes,” said Harrison Shih, Head of Product for DoorDash Labs, highlighting the seamless user experience.
Benefits for Charlotte’s Food Scene
The service enhances convenience for Charlotte residents, offering rapid delivery of everything from matcha lattes to Panera’s mac & cheese, available for $1 through May 28, 2025, as a promotional offer. DashMart by Drone further expands options, delivering snacks, drinks, and medicine swiftly. Local merchants benefit from increased visibility and demand, with brands like Life Raft Treats and Cheerwine featured in limited-time drone-delivered bundles.
“We’re thrilled to partner with DoorDash and Wing on this pilot,” said Meenakshi Nagarajan, Chief Digital Officer at Panera Bread, emphasizing the innovative delivery of their signature offerings.
North Carolina’s Drone-Friendly Environment
Charlotte’s launch aligns with North Carolina’s progressive stance on drone integration, earning it recognition as a national leader. The state has cleared federal environmental reviews, facilitating commercial drone operations.
“Charlotte is a city that embraces technology solutions to big transportation challenges,” said Wing CEO Adam Woodworth, crediting local support for the rollout.
This environment fosters public-private partnerships, positioning Charlotte alongside Dallas-Fort Worth, a hub for Wing’s Walmart deliveries, as a leader in urban drone logistics.
Industry Trends and Future Expansion
The DoorDash-Wing partnership reflects a broader shift toward autonomous delivery, with DoorDash Labs exploring multi-modal solutions like Coco Robotics’ sidewalk robots. Since 2022, the duo has completed tens of thousands of deliveries, refining operational efficiency. The Charlotte rollout targets dense suburban areas, ideal for drone scalability, with plans to expand to more neighborhoods later in 2025. Economically, drone delivery could reduce costs for merchants and create new opportunities for Dashers, while regulatory support ensures compliance with airspace rules. As consumer demand for speed and sustainability grows, Charlotte’s adoption of Drone Technology sets a precedent for urban centers nationwide.
Photos courtesy of Wing
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