Chipotle tests drone delivery with Zipline in Dallas
Chipotle is taking its burritos to new heights—literally. The fast-casual giant announced it is partnering with autonomous drone delivery leader Zipline to pilot food delivery in the greater Dallas area.
Beginning Thursday, select customers near a Chipotle location in Rowlett, Texas, will have access to “Zipotle,” an early access delivery option available in the Zipline app. Using Zipline’s latest Platform 2 autonomous aircraft, orders will be flown directly to customers’ homes.
Here’s how it works: Chipotle employees pack the order into a “Zipping Point,” where Zipline’s aircraft collects it autonomously. Once it reaches the customer’s address, the aircraft hovers about 300 feet above ground, while a small droid called the Zip lowers the meal gently to the doorstep.
Full Menu, Small Test Group
Initially, a limited number of Zipline users will be able to order the full Chipotle menu, with plans to expand to more customers in the coming weeks. Service hours run daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. CT, with future plans to extend to 10 p.m. Deliveries will cost a flat $2.99, plus a 15% service fee capped at $6. Orders can weigh up to 5.5 pounds now, with an eight-pound limit coming soon.
Chipotle’s Chief Strategy and Technology Officer Curt Garner said drone delivery could pave the way for broader adoption.
“Because of the coverage radius of drones, it might only be one restaurant in a particular neighborhood that can service the entire neighborhood,” Garner told CNBC. “So that makes national expansion easier.”
Aiming for Younger Consumers
The initiative may be especially appealing to Chipotle’s younger customer base, which already favors delivery and tends to experiment with new tech.
“They’re the biggest fans of Chipotle already,” Garner noted. “And based upon how many younger people live together in apartments or shared housing, drone delivery is a really good option.”
The test comes as Chipotle navigates a challenging restaurant landscape. The chain recently reported a 4% dip in same-store sales, though executives say promotions and new menu offerings are driving a rebound.
A Proven Partner in Zipline
Zipline isn’t new to autonomous delivery. The company already operates on four continents, serves more than 5,000 hospitals and health facilities, and says it completes a delivery every 60 seconds worldwide. With over 100 million autonomous miles flown, Zipline is positioning drone delivery as faster, quieter, more sustainable, and more accessible than traditional options.
CEO Keller Rinaudo Cliffton told CNBC:
“It’s a better product experience. It’s better for the environment, it’s less expensive, and importantly, it also increases access.”
Chipotle isn’t the only restaurant exploring drone delivery. Zipline also confirmed it is preparing to roll out future service with Sweetgreen, though timing and locations have yet to be announced.
If the Dallas-area pilot proves successful, “Zipotle” could soon become a nationwide delivery option—making drone-dropped burritos the future of fast food convenience.
