Papa Johns Takes Flight: Drones Delivering More Than Just Pizzas

A New Chapter for Papa Johns

As of today, residents of southern North Carolina can experience drone deliveries from Papa Johns, thanks to a collaboration with Alphabet's Wing. However, don't expect pizzas. Instead, the menu features three types of sandwiches for the time being: Philly cheesesteak, chicken bacon ranch, and steak and mushroom.

The State of Drone Deliveries

Drone delivery is increasingly becoming a reality in various communities across the globe. Companies like Wing, which has established partnerships with Walmart and DoorDash, are leading the way. They have successfully completed deliveries in cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth,, and Houston. In fact, Wing was the first drone delivery company to receive the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's certificate for commercial operations back in 2019.

Why Not Pizza?

Despite the delicious reputation of pizza, delivering it via drone presents unique challenges. The physical design of pizza boxes complicates aerodynamics. Wing's CEO, Adam Woodworth, comments that traditional pizza boxes feature large, flat surfaces that are not naturally suited for drone transportation. The exciting prospect of having pizzas delivered from the sky remains elusive for now. Nonetheless, Flytrex, another drone company, claims to have found a solution in partnership with Little Caesars, successfully delivering pizzas with its specially designed drones in Wylie, Texas.

Challenges Ahead

As with any emerging technology, integrating drones into everyday food delivery brings its own complications.

The supply chain economics of drone deliveries present significant hurdles. Companies are grappling with how to keep delivery costs down while adhering to payload limits and navigating regulatory restrictions. Restaurants also face the task of redesigning packaging to be drone-friendly and training staff to understand the workflows necessary for drone integrations.

• Physics vs. Economics: Delivering pizzas involves an understanding of both hardware limitations and delivery economics.
• Regulatory Adjustments: The fast-changing regulatory landscape is still catching up with technological advancements.
• Adapting Workflows: For example, Papa Johns is currently training its employees to adapt to drone-delivery workflows to ensure seamless service.

What Lies Ahead

While Papa Johns has initially limited its drone delivery to sandwiches, there are aspirations for growth. Kevin Vasconi, the chief digital and technology officer, believes in the potential of drone delivery during peak hours, where traditional delivery methods may falter. He describes it as a “surprise-and-delight feature” for customers. There are also plans to expand menu options down the line, ideally offering the full array of items.

The Broader Implications

This innovation in food delivery hints at larger shifts in consumer expectations. As drone technology becomes more ingrained in everyday life, the way we approach logistics in businesses will inevitably change. Companies that are willing to adapt to these advancements can potentially streamline operations and enhance customer experiences significantly. However, it's essential to navigate the terrain carefully, blending innovation with practical considerations for both businesses and consumers alike.