DoorDash and Wing Expand Drone Delivery Services to Charlotte
DoorDash, a leading platform for local commerce in the United States, and Wing, a global pioneer in drone-based residential delivery, have announced the official launch of drone delivery services in Charlotte, North Carolina. This milestone marks the introduction of drone delivery in the city for the first time and represents the latest chapter in an expanding partnership between the two companies aimed at transforming how goods, particularly food, are delivered to consumers.
Starting immediately, select DoorDash customers within a four-mile radius of The Arboretum Shopping Center in southern Charlotte can place orders from a curated list of participating restaurants and choose to have their items delivered by drone. Among the first wave of partners are local favorites and national chains, including Curry Junction, Matcha Cafe Maiko, Joa Korean food, and Panera Bread. Notably, Panera Bread becomes the first national restaurant chain in Charlotte to offer its menu through drone delivery. To commemorate the launch, customers can take advantage of a special limited-time promotion — a bowl of Panera’s beloved mac & cheese delivered by drone for just $1 through the DoorDash app.
Expanding an Innovative Partnership
The Charlotte launch is the most recent development in a collaboration between DoorDash and Wing that dates back to 2022, when the companies first partnered to pilot drone delivery services in Australia. Encouraged by the initial results, the partnership expanded to the United States. Following successful deployments in Southwest Virginia and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, the service has now reached North Carolina’s largest city, with plans underway to expand to additional neighborhoods in the near future.
This strategic rollout reflects DoorDash’s continued investment in emerging technologies that improve the speed, efficiency, and sustainability of last-mile delivery. Harrison Shih, Head of Product for DoorDash Labs, emphasized the significance of this milestone. “Autonomous delivery will help shape the future of local logistics, and we’re proud to introduce drone delivery to Charlotte for the first time with Wing,” he said. “What makes this launch special isn’t just the technology, it’s the experience. Whether it’s your favorite Panera sandwich, a savory snack from DashMart, or a local matcha latte on DoorDash, there’s something magical about watching your order arrive by air in minutes. DoorDash and Wing aren’t just delivering faster, we’re delivering what’s next.”
The Role of DoorDash Labs
The launch is a product of the innovation work being done at DoorDash Labs, the company’s dedicated robotics and automation division. DoorDash Labs explores the integration of autonomous systems that enhance the customer experience while simultaneously creating more earning opportunities for delivery partners and increasing demand for merchants on the platform. Drone delivery is just one component of this broader vision. DoorDash is also working with companies like Coco Robotics to test sidewalk delivery robots, further demonstrating its commitment to building a robust, multi-modal delivery network that is capable of addressing diverse logistical challenges across urban, suburban, and rural environments.
A Digital Milestone for Panera Bread
The initiative also represents a significant advancement for participating restaurant brands, especially Panera Bread, which has consistently been at the forefront of adopting digital solutions to improve the customer experience. “We are committed to continuously redefining convenience and unlocking innovative ways to enhance the Panera experience, and we’re thrilled to partner with DoorDash and Wing on this pilot,” said Meenakshi Nagarajan, Chief Digital Officer at Panera Bread. “This partnership offers a cutting-edge way to deliver the quality and craveability that our guests know and love, right to their doorstep.”
Charlotte: A City Poised for Innovation
Charlotte’s adoption of drone delivery technology is not coincidental. The city has long embraced innovation and forward-thinking infrastructure policies. North Carolina holds historical significance in aviation — earning the nickname “First in Flight” in honor of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight in 1903. Today, the state remains at the forefront of aviation and drone integration, thanks to state and local leaders who have actively supported new and emerging aviation technologies.
Wing has played a pioneering role in U.S. drone delivery, launching the first commercial service in rural Virginia in 2019. In 2022, Wing brought drone delivery to a major American metro area for the first time with its entry into the Dallas-Fort Worth region. With Charlotte, Wing continues to broaden its footprint and bring advanced aerial logistics to more communities. “Charlotte is a city that embraces technology solutions to big transportation challenges,” said Wing CEO Adam Woodworth. “We’re incredibly excited to launch Wing’s drone delivery service here, and we’re grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received from the city and its residents.”
DashMart by Drone: Expanding Beyond Meals
While the headline may be about restaurant delivery, DoorDash and Wing’s collaboration in Charlotte goes beyond just food. Residents in the eligible drone delivery area can also order everyday essentials through DashMart by Drone — a specialized version of DoorDash’s convenience offering. This service includes a curated selection of beverages, snacks, over-the-counter medications, and other household necessities, all delivered within minutes via drone.
To further celebrate the launch and engage the local community, DoorDash has partnered with some of Charlotte’s most beloved brands — including Life Raft Treats, Appalachia Cookie Co., and Cheerwine — for a special limited-time giveaway. Eligible customers can receive a complimentary bundle featuring fan-favorite items from these brands delivered by drone, simply by using the promo code DMBYDRONE in the DashMart section of the DoorDash app.
The Future of Delivery
The Charlotte launch serves as a case study in how technology and local partnerships can reshape urban logistics. As both consumer demand and expectations for faster, more reliable delivery continue to grow, companies like DoorDash and Wing are laying the groundwork for a new era in last-mile fulfillment. By leveraging drones, they are not only improving delivery times but also reducing traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and enabling access to goods in areas where traditional delivery methods may be slower or less practical.
Moreover, this evolution supports broader economic and logistical goals. Autonomous delivery can help streamline operations for merchants, create new high-tech jobs, and introduce alternative pathways for order fulfillment that reduce strain on human delivery networks during peak hours or adverse weather conditions.
As DoorDash and Wing scale their partnership across more cities and states, Charlotte will stand as a blueprint for how to successfully integrate drone delivery into a modern urban environment. This launch underscores the importance of public-private collaboration, adaptive infrastructure, and a bold approach to innovation — all of which are necessary to make futuristic services like drone delivery a practical part of everyday life.