Some DFW residents can now secure their Chicken Burrito Bowl via drone, with Chipotle starting to roll out a state-of-the-art delivery program in the metroplex.
The national restaurant chain has partnered with the world’s largest autonomous delivery system, Zipline, to offer a new service called Zipotle. According to a press release from the company, the service kicked off on August 21, starting at their Rowlett location at 3109 Lakeview Parkway. A wider launch in the city is expected in the coming weeks.
Chipotle says the new service will leverage Zipline’s quiet, zero-emission fleet of aircraft to enable rapid deliveries that keep orders fresh, with the chain’s full menu eligible for drop-off via drone.
“Zipotle is a quick and convenient source of delivery that lets guests enjoy our real food from places that are traditionally challenging to serve, including backyards and public parks,” said Curt Garner, President, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Chipotle, in the press release.
“Zipline’s commitment to building an efficient, environmentally friendly delivery experience is synonymous with our mission to Cultivate a Better World.”
So, how exactly does it work?
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If you are in the Rowlett area, download the Zipline app on either Apple or Android, and if available, place your Chipotle order.
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Employees at the Lakeview Parkway location will prepare your order and place it into a kiosk-like “Zipping Point,” where a drone can pick it up.
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The drone will fly to your address and hover roughly 300 feet in the air before slowly descending to the group.
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The Zip will leverage cameras, sensors, and Nvidia chips to navigate obstacles and gently and precisely place the food down at the targeted address.
The service will initially only be available from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., but will soon expand to 10 p.m.
“With Zipline, you tap a button, and minutes later food magically appears – hot, fresh, and ultra-fast… Starting today, families in the Dallas area can have food delivered by Zipotle and served for lunch or dinner. What once felt like science fiction is soon going to become totally normal,” said Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and Co-Founder of Zipline.
