Chipotle begins food delivery by drone in Texas

Chipotle Mexican Grill announced on Thursday that it is partnering with Zipline, the world's largest autonomous delivery system, to deliver digital orders directly to guests' locations in the greater Dallas area. A small number of Zipline users will have access to Zipotle starting Thursday, ahead of a broader service launch in the coming weeks.

Chipotle's new delivery option, Zipotle, will use Zipline's fleet of quiet, zero-emissions aircraft to make super-fast, convenient deliveries that save customers' time and keep orders fresh. Chipotle's entire menu is eligible for Zipotle delivery.

The Chipotle at 3109 Lakeview Pkwy, Rowlett, Texas, will be the first to offer Zipotle deliveries. Zipotle will operate seven days a week, initially from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. CDT, and will soon expand to 10 p.m.

After flying to its destination, the aircraft will hover about 300 feet in the air, while the Zip lowers to the ground. Zip automatically avoids obstacles and gently and precisely places the order at the guest's address.

"With Zipline, you tap a button, and minutes later food magically appears - hot, fresh, and ultra-fast," said Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and Co-Founder of Zipline. "What once felt like science fiction is soon going to become totally normal.”

Initially, Zipotle will carry orders up to 5.5 pounds and will increase to eight pounds over time.