Your order will now drop from the sky! Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced that it has partnered with Zipline to make home deliveries — via drones! This service launch currently covers only certain areas in the United States. Here’s how it works and where it will be available.
What is Chipotle’s new drone delivery service like?
This new service is called Zipotle and is designed to reach traditionally hard-to-access locations, such as backyards and public parks. Zipotle will use Zipline’s fleet of silent, zero-emission aircraft to deliver customers’ digital orders, saving time and increasing convenience.
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Here’s how this new delivery service works:
- First, download the Zipline app, available on Apple and Android stores.
- Place your order in the app (you can order any menu item!).
- Employees will place the order at a Zipping Point, allowing Zips to autonomously pick it up for delivery.
- The aircraft will fly to its destination and gently and precisely drop the order at the customer’s location.
Where will Chipotle’s drone delivery service be available?
For now, this service is only available in the Dallas metropolitan area, Texas. The Chipotle location at 3109 Lakeview Pkwy, Rowlett will be the first to test this new home delivery method. Zipotle will operate daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST, with plans to expand to more areas in the coming weeks.
About Zipline
Zipline leads innovation in autonomous deliveries with its smart drones, combining speed, insulation, and precision to ensure food arrives fresh regardless of the weather — from freezing cold to the heat of the Texas summer. Initially, deliveries will carry up to 2.5 kg, with plans to increase to 3.6 kg.
The company began operations in Rwanda, delivering medical supplies to rural hospitals, and now serves approximately 5,000 health centers worldwide. With over 160 million kilometers traveled and 1.6 million completed deliveries, Zipline ensures that every minute, someone receives a delivery reliably.
How many Chipotle restaurants are there in the United States?
Currently, the restaurant chain has 3,494 locations in the United States. California has the highest concentration of these restaurants, with a total of 486, representing about 14% of all Chipotle restaurants in the country.
Chipotle History
Chipotle was founded by Steve Ells, who took advantage of the growing popularity of burritos and other Mexican dishes when he opened his first restaurant in the 1990s. Since then, the chain has positioned itself as a key player in the fast food industry.
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Today, the company has over 3,700 restaurants in various countries, not only in the United States but also in places like Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. It is the only company of its size in the restaurant industry that owns and operates all of its locations in North America and Europe.
With more than 130,000 employees, Chipotle is part of the Fortune 500 list and is ranked among the most admired companies in the Fortune 2025 list, as well as being recognized on Time’s list of the most influential companies.
What is Chipotle Rewards?
It’s the company’s loyalty program. You’ll earn 10 points for every $1 spent at any of the chain’s restaurants, as well as for orders made through the website or the official app. You can also earn points faster by completing challenges.
Once you accumulate points, you can redeem them for rewards, such as free menu items or exclusive brand products. When you sign up, you’ll also receive a welcome gift, special birthday rewards, and exclusive offers for members.
