“What once felt like science fiction soon becomes completely normal,” said Keller Linaud Cliffhooton, CEO of Zipline, in the release.
Chipotle, Zipline offers new delivery options
Chipotle announced its partnership with Zipline and has offered its new streaming option, Zipole.
chipotle pepper
The aircraft may soon deliver a Chipotle order to your front door.
On Thursday, August 21, the restaurant chain announced that it had partnered with drone delivery company Zipline to skip orders to its customers.
“Chipotle’s new delivery option, Zipole, uses Zipline’s quiet, zero-emission fleet to deliver extremely fast and convenient delivery that saves customers’ time and keeps orders fresh,” the company said in the release.
The new delivery method is only available in the major Dallas area for now, Chipotle said.
“With Zipline, you tap a button and it’s magical to come out after a few minutes – hot, fresh, super fast,” said Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and co-founder of Zipline. “From today, Zipotle will be able to deliver food and serve lunch and dinner for families in the Dallas area.
Chipotle Drone Delivery: How does it work?
Chipotle said eligible customers can download the Zipline app on the App Store or Google Play to place Chipotle orders.
Employees place orders at “zipping points.” This allows zipline drones to receive orders autonomously.
Once the aircraft reaches its destination it will drop to the ground and release the order. Chipotle said the drones “will automatically avoid obstacles and place orderly and accurately at guest addresses.”
Initially, Zipotle will carry orders of up to £5.5 and will increase to £8 over time, Chipotle said.
Where can I use Chipotle Drone Delivery?
Chipotle at 3109 Lakeview Pkwy in Lowlett, Texas will be the first to offer Zipotle delivery, the company said.
A small number of Zipline users will be able to access the service starting August 21st, with a wider launch of the service expected in the coming weeks, Chipotle said.
Zipotle is available 7 days a week. It will initially be available from 12pm to 8pm and will be extended until 10pm.
USA Today has contacted Chipotle for information about services expanding to other markets.
Melina Kahn is a national trending reporter for USA Today. She can be contacted at melina.khan@usatoday.com.