The hum of the future is coming to Somerset County. Grubhub and Dexa (formerly Drone Express) have officially announced the launch of New Jersey’s first commercial drone-powered food delivery program, centered at the Wonder multi-restaurant hub on Route 22 in Green Brook.
The three-month pilot program, which officially takes flight on March 18, allows local diners to have their favorite meals airlifted directly to their doorsteps. By bypassing the notorious North Jersey traffic, the partnership promises faster delivery times with the precision of aerospace technology.
The program is based out of Wonder’s Green Brook location (245 U.S. 22). Wonder’s unique “food hall” model—which houses 15 different restaurant concepts under one roof—allows the drones to serve a diverse menu ranging from high-end steak to artisan pizza.
The Pilot Details:
- Radius: Eligible customers within 2.5 miles of the Green Brook facility can opt for drone delivery.
- Cost: There is no additional fee for drone service beyond standard delivery and service charges.
- Speed: The Dexa DE-2020 hexacopter travels at speeds up to 40 mph, delivering orders significantly faster than traditional cars.
- The Drop: Using a controlled tether system, the drone lowers the insulated food package to the ground without having to land, ensuring a safe distance from residents and pets.
Dexa is among an elite group of only four companies in the U.S. to hold the FAA Part 135 Air Carrier certification, allowing them to operate as a commercial airline for drones.
“Our partnership with Dexa represents a major step forward in Grubhub’s commitment to delivery innovation,” Abhishek “PJ” Poykayil, SVP of Customer Delivery Operations at Wonder and Grubhub said. The DE-2020 aircraft is designed to prioritize safety, utilizing advanced autonomy to follow pre-approved flight paths that minimize noise and community disruption.
The selection of Green Brook as the testing ground is strategic. Located along the busy Route 22 corridor, the area offers a mix of residential density and commercial activity that is ideal for testing “last-mile” logistics. If successful, Grubhub plans to evaluate the data to determine if drone delivery can be scaled to other nearby restaurant partners across the Garden State.
“This service is a glimpse into the future of how autonomous technology will help restaurants and retailers serve customers at a completely new level,” Beth Flippo, CEO of Dexa said.
Residents curious about the new technology can see it in person before the official launch. Grubhub and Dexa will host live demonstrations:
- Date: March 16, 2026
- Times: 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Wonder, 245 U.S. 22, Green Brook
