SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DoorDash, a leading platform for local commerce, and Wing, the global leader in residential drone delivery, are introducing drone delivery to Charlotte, NC, for the first time. This marks the latest milestone in their ongoing partnership focused on bringing faster, more efficient, and sustainable food delivery options to customers.

Starting now, eligible DoorDash customers within about four miles of The Arboretum Shopping Center in southern Charlotte can order from a selection of local and national restaurants and choose to have their items delivered by drone. The lineup includes Charlotte favorites like Curry Junction, Matcha Cafe Maiko, Joa Korean food, and Panera Bread — the city's first national partner available for drone delivery. To celebrate the launch, customers can enjoy a $1 bowl of Panera Bread’s iconic mac & cheese delivered by drone through the DoorDash app for a limited time.

The Charlotte expansion is the next step in a successful partnership between Wing and DoorDash. DoorDash and Wing first launched drone delivery together in Australia in 2022. Since then, the partnership expanded to the U.S., with drone delivery service available to DoorDash customers in parts of Southwest Virginia, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and now Charlotte. DoorDash and Wing plan to expand to additional neighborhoods later this year.

“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,” said Harrison Shih, Head of Product for DoorDash Labs, in a recent press release. “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 special about watching your order arrive by air in minutes. DoorDash and Wing aren’t just delivering faster, we’re delivering what’s next.”

This partnership was born out of DoorDash Labs, DoorDash’s robotics and automation arm. DoorDash Labs focuses on identifying and integrating autonomous solutions that can enhance the customer experience, drive increased demand for local merchants, and create more earning opportunities for Dashers. In addition to Wing, DoorDash also partners with Coco Robotics for sidewalk robot delivery, reinforcing its commitment to building a multi-modal delivery platform designed to support the fastest and most efficient deliveries possible.

“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, 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.”

Read the full release here.