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.”
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]