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Chick-fil-A is testing drone deliveryChick-fil-A is testing drone delivery

A restaurant in Brandon, Fla., is testing drone delivery and anticipates growing its delivery radius from 1.2 miles to 2 miles “soon.”

Alicia Kelso, Executive Editor

November 16, 2023

2 Min Read
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A Chick-fil-A restaurant in Brandon, Fla., is testing drone delivery. According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, guests can select “Chick-fil-A Delivery” via the brand’s app to ensure their order is delivered by drone and, for a limited time, the delivery comes with no fees.

Current delivery hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and drone delivery distance is limited, the post notes, at about a 1.2-mile radius. The restaurant said it anticipates a 2-mile radius “soon.”

The post has elicited quite a response, with over 150 comments so far, many from consumers wishing they lived within the test area. One user said they tried the drone delivery, describing it as “super fast” while the food was “hot, perfect.” Another said their meal came in a sturdy box, which kept it in place. The restaurant, located at 1504 E. Brandon Blvd., said drinks are sealed to ensure efficient delivery of those items.

The restaurant posted a separate video showing how the drone delivery process works, linked here.

 

Chick-fil-A joins a growing number of restaurant companies experimenting with drone delivery, including Jersey Mike’s, Freddy’s, Sweetgreen and more. In response to the test, a Chick-fil-A spokesperson said, “Chick-fil-A is always exploring new ways to provide the best experience for our guests. We are in the early stages of testing drone delivery at a small number of Chick-fil-A restaurants.”

Related:How drones, robots and AI deliver what’s new in on-demand dining

The company’s spokesperson also pointed to other ways Chick-fil-A is innovating with delivery, including a test of autonomous delivery robots, first launched in the spring of 2022. The restaurant testing the autonomous delivery robots, in Austin, Texas, said they enhance operations, cut delivery costs and provide consistency. Two-thirds of that restaurant’s business is delivery.

Chick-fil-A is also testing robots in a small number of dining rooms as extra help for employees.

“While the robots are delivering meals, our Team Members have more time to refresh beverages, clear tables and provide guests with the signature hospitality Chick-fil-A is known for,” the company said.  

Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]

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About the Author

Alicia Kelso

Executive Editor, Nation's Restaurant News

Alicia Kelso is the executive editor of Nation's Restaurant News. She began covering the restaurant industry in 2010 for QSRweb.com, FastCasual.com and PizzaMarketplace.com. When her son was born, she left the industry to pursue a role in higher education, but swiftly returned after realizing how much she missed the space. In filling that void, Alicia added a contributor role at Restaurant Dive and a senior contributor role at Forbes.
Her work has appeared in publications around the world, including Forbes Asia, NPR, Bloomberg, The Seattle Times, Crain's Chicago, Good Morning America and Franchise Asia Magazine.
Alicia holds a degree in journalism from Bowling Green State University, where she competed on the women's swim team. In addition to cheering for the BGSU Falcons, Alicia is a rabid Michigan fan and will talk about college football with anyone willing to engage. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her wife and son.

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