Get ready to look up when your DoorDash order arrives, Charlotte — food delivery has taken off, literally. Wing, Google’s on-demand drone delivery unit, and DoorDash, the go-to app for local cravings, have teamed up to launch drone-powered deliveries in Queen City. This marks the first time Charlotte residents can enjoy their favorite meals from the sky.
If you live within about four miles of The Arboretum Shopping Center in South Charlotte, you can now have lunch delivered via a drone. We’re talking local gems like Curry Junction, Joa Korean food, Matcha Cafe Maiko, and Panera Bread! That’s right, Panera’s beloved mac & cheese can now be delivered to your doorstep by air for just $1 (yes, you read that right) through the DoorDash app — but act fast, this tasty deal is only for a limited time!
This new service is the latest step in DoorDash and Wing’s skyward partnership, which first launched in Australia back in 2022 and has since touched down in parts of Virginia and Texas. Charlotte is now the newest stop.
“This isn’t just about cool tech — it’s about the experience,” says Harrison Shih, head of product at DoorDash Labs, the company’s robotics and automation division. “There’s something special about watching your Panera sandwich arrive from the sky.”
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The initiative aims to make deliveries faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. Orders eligible for drone delivery will show a little drone icon in the DoorDash app. Choose your meal, confirm your location, and then — cue the aerial tracking — your food will be winging its way to you in minutes.
DoorDash Labs has been exploring all things autonomous, from drones to sidewalk bots, in a bid to create a delivery network that’s fast, flexible, and futuristic.
North Carolina has long worn the “First in Flight” badge proudly — and now Charlotte is continuing the aviation tradition with this high-tech food drop. State and city leaders have leaned into drone tech, helping make North Carolina a hotspot for drone innovation and commercial adoption.
Wing CEO Adam Woodworth is all in. “Charlotte is a city that embraces technology solutions to big transportation challenges,” he said. “We’re incredibly excited to launch here and grateful for the warm welcome.”
Beyond burgers: DashMart by Drone
But it’s not just restaurant food getting the drone treatment. Charlotte residents can also tap into DashMart by Drone — a special version of DoorDash’s digital convenience store. We’re talking snacks, drinks, even medicine — all dropped off from above in record time. And for a limited time, locals can score a bundle of iconic Carolina treats — including Life Raft Treats, Appalachia Cookie Co., and Cheerwine — delivered by drone with the code DMBYDRONE.
How to get in on the action
Open the DoorDash app. If you see the drone icon, you’re in luck. If not, you can check your eligibility (or join the waitlist) at wing.com/charlotte.
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