DoorDash, Wing Launch Drone Delivery Pilot in US
DoorDash and Wing have launched their drone delivery partnership in the United States, starting in Christiansburg, Va. Select local consumers will be able to order eligible menu items from Wendy’s – the pilot’s first restaurant partner – through the DoorDash marketplace and have them delivered via drone.
This follows the drone delivery pilot program that DoorDash and Wing launched in Australia in 2022 and has since expanded to three locations in Queensland with more than 60 participating merchants, marking the first time that Wing integrated its drone delivery service within another marketplace.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Wing in the U.S. to integrate drone delivery into DoorDash’s ecosystem,” said Harrison Shih, senior director of DoorDash Labs. “At DoorDash, we are committed to advancing last-mile logistics by building a multi-modal delivery platform that serves all sides of our marketplace. We’re optimistic about the value drone delivery will bring to our platform as we work to offer more efficient, sustainable, and convenient delivery options for consumers.”
“Expanding our partnership with DoorDash and launching in the U.S. is a direct result of the success we’ve seen from our initial collaboration in Australia, where Wing has served tens of thousands of customers via the DoorDash app for over a year now,” said Cosimo Leipold, head of partnerships at Wing. “Wing has now made over 350,000 deliveries across three countries and looking ahead we are focused on providing a fast, affordable and safe service to our partners so they can better serve their customers.
“This moment continues our meaningful expansion of this service in the U.S. and advances our shared goal to better the last-mile delivery ecosystem.”
When DoorDash customers with an eligible address in Christiansburg place a qualifying order in the DoorDash app from the Wendy’s located at 2355 N. Franklin St., they will see the option to have their meal delivered by drone on the checkout page. Once they select drone delivery and place their order, it will be prepared and packaged at the Wendy’s location and delivered via a Wing drone, typically in 30 minutes or less.
Through this partnership, DoorDash aims to provide access to an innovative delivery solution for consumers and merchants, complementary to traditional Dasher-fulfilled orders. The new offering provides a quick and sustainable delivery option for small, short-distanced orders while creating the potential for incremental order growth across the platform.
The pilot will initially be available in Christiansburg with plans to explore other cities later this year.
The drone delivery partnership with Wing was born out of DoorDash Labs, DoorDash’s robotics and automation arm. DoorDash sees automation as a means to develop the right platform solution to satisfy consumer demand, while improving efficiencies within the platform.
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Exclusive: ADF Foods Unveils Truly Indian at Natural Products Expo West
EXCLUSIVE TO GOURMET NEWS
ADF Foods, a fourth-generation, family-owned leader in gourmet frozen and shelf-stable Indian foods, presents a new brand, Truly Indian, that celebrates ADF Foods’ rich culinary legacy while delivering exceptional craftsmanship and quality to the U.S. market.
The unveiling will take place at Natural Products Expo West on Thursday, March 14, at the Truly Indian booth number #524.
“Truly Indian represents a culinary journey dedicated to bringing the best freshly prepared Indian food to your home,” says Bimal Thakkar, CEO of ADF Foods, “With a commitment to quality and a dedication to preserving the rich flavors of India, we are excited to bring the diverse and vibrant tastes of our homeland to American households.”
Truly Indian, the latest addition to the ADF Foods family of brands, embodies this culinary legacy with a commitment to authenticity and artisanal quality. It offers a range of freshly crafted Indian foods, marking an exciting chapter in delivering the Indian food experience to the West.
Established in 1932 as a humble storefront in Mumbai, ADF Foods has evolved into a global producer of over 400 diverse products, serving families in 55 countries. From delectable frozen snacks and meals to robust cooking sauces and shelf-stable ready-to-eat entrees, each product is freshly made in India using time-honored small-batch techniques and artisanal craftsmanship.
With meticulous attention to detail, ADF Foods’ chefs artfully blend fresh, healthy ingredients with the finest Indian spices, ensuring that every Truly Indian dish is bursting with flavor.
Plant-Based Entrees
- Plant-Based Butter Chik’n (Frozen): A plant-based take on the classic flavors of Butter Chicken in a convenient frozen format
Samosas - Vegetable Samosa: A flavorful blend of vegetables encased in a golden, crispy pastry, perfect for sharing. Approximately 80 percent of Indian restaurants in the US feature ADF Foods’ samosas.
- Jumbo Vegetable Samosa: A larger version of the classic samosa, promising an indulgent bite.
Naan - Tandoori Naan: Soft and pillowy naan bread, expertly baked to perfection, ideal for pairing with a variety of dishes.
- Tandoori Garlic Naan: Infused with aromatic garlic, this naan elevates any meal with its bold flavors.
Vegan Cooking Sauces - Butter Chicken Sauce: A luscious, plant-based rendition of the beloved Butter Chicken sauce.
- Tikka Masala Sauce: Rich and aromatic, this vegan Tikka Masala sauce brings t
- he essence of Indian cuisine to your kitchen.
- Madras Curry Sauce: A harmonious blend of spices in a vegan curry sauce, offering a taste of Southern India.
- Vindaloo Sauce: Bold and spicy, this vegan Vindaloo sauce is an invitation to savor the flavors of Goa.
Ready to Eat Meal Pouches, Vegan Entrees - Curried Chickpeas (Chana Masala): Chickpeas simmered in a fragrant curry, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
- Spiced Lentil & Bean Chili (Dal Makhani): A comforting blend of spiced lentils and beans, offering a true taste of North India.
- Creamed Spinach & Tofu Curry (Palak Tofu Paneer): A creamy and indulgent spinach and tofu curry that’s both nourishing and delicious.
- Potato Pea Curry (Aloo Matar): A classic combination of potatoes and peas in a flavorful curry, reminiscent of home-cooked comfort.
Ready to Eat Meal Pouches, Vegan Rice - Tikka Masala Rice: Fragrant basmati rice paired with the iconic Tikka Masala sauce, creating a convenient and tasty meal.
- Bombay Biryani: Aromatic and flavorful, this vegan Biryani showcases the culinary diversity of India.
Roti Wraps, Indian Street Food - Cottage Cheese & Green Pepper (Paneer Tikka): A fusion of flavors wrapped in a soft roti, capturing the essence of Indian street food.
- Tandoori Spiced Potato (Tandoori Aloo): Spiced potato filling wrapped in a tandoori-flavored roti, offering a satisfying and flavorful bite.
- Cauliflower and Potato (Aloo Gobi): A medley of cauliflower and potato, encased in a soft roti for a handheld delight.
- Cottage Cheese & Biryani (Paneer Biryani): A marriage of paneer and biryani, expertly wrapped in a roti for a convenient and savory treat. For sales inquiries, contact Rasa Kumar, senior vice president, Truly Indian, Rasa@adf-foods.com
Truly Indian is a proud member of the ADF Foods family of brands. Born out of the rich culinary heritage of ADF Foods, Truly Indian is committed to delivering authentic and flavorful Indian foods. With a focus on quality, tradition, and innovation, Truly Indian brings the diverse and popular flavors of India to tables around the world. http://www.trulyindianfoods.com/
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Scream Break, Flavors of the World Return to Six Flags
Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Thrill Capital of the World, adds a dose of vitamin scream to spring break with the return of the guest-favorite haunt event, Scream Break, and culturally diverse food festival, Flavors of the World. With daily operations from March 8 through April 14, guests of all ages can enjoy world-class thrills and chills, delicious cuisine and exciting entertainment – the ultimate destination for spring break in Southern California.
“We are excited to kick off our 2024 event line-up with the return of two guest-favorite events this spring,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain Interim Park President Jeff Harris. “Scream Break combines the party and fun of spring break with exhilarating and haunting entertainment. The team has also cooked up some amazing dishes for Flavors of the World, captivating the tasty thrills that food enthusiasts know and love. We’re going all out and taking thrills to the max with the most coasters on the planet and unique events for thrill-seekers of all ages,” he added.
Back by popular demand, the Scream Break after-hours event offers eight nights of screams with a Spring Break twist from 9 p.m. to midnight, including a haunted happy hour starting at 7:30 p.m., on Friday and Saturday from March 22 through April 13. The lineup of monstertainment includes:
- After-Hours Access – Stay in the park after hours during this separate gated admission event to experience a spring break bash like no other where the undead are dying to keep the party alive;
- Haunted Attractions – Experience ghouls gone wild with exclusive access to two haunted houses, including a revamped haunted maze inspired by the iconic “Saw” franchise and the return of Condemned House Party plus three scare zones;
- Unlimited Ride Access – Face your fears in the dark on some of the most iconic world-class rides and coasters including the new Wonder Woman Flight of Courage, Full Throttle, Goliath, Batman The Ride, Twisted Colossus and CraZanity;
- Ghoulish Grub – Satisfy a monstrous appetite with foodie favorites, plus sink your teeth in sangria blood bags, specialty cocktails and more; and
- Exciting Entertainment – Dance the night away between rides and haunted attractions with two DJs in DC Universe and the Full Throttle Plaza.
Scream Break requires the purchase of an event-specific ticket and wristband. Event admission is included with a Season Pass or Membership. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/scream-break-2024.
Guests can take their taste buds on a thrilling ride during the Flavors of the World food festival on Saturdays and Sundays, from March 23 through May 5. Food-lovers can embark on a culinary adventure around the globe with a wide array of international foods ranging from street food favorites to gourmet delicacies, including:
- Mouthwatering Menus – Sample distinct dishes and traditional desserts from seven countries, including Italy, India, Korea, China, Mexico, Greece and the Caribbean;
- Artisanal Beverages – Sip and savor the flavors of the world with specialty drinks inspired by each country, including Masala chai, horchata, boba and more; and
- Festive Entertainment – Let the sounds of the world surround you with traditional music compilations, live DJs, festive crafts for kids and more during this celebration of the cultures.
For the best value, the purchase of a Flavors of the World Tasting Pass allows guests to explore the rich diversity of global cuisine and sample up to 12 specialty foods, desserts and beverages. For more details and to purchase an event Tasting Pass, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events/flavors-of-the-world-2024.
For information on all events at Six Flags Magic Mountain, including Scream Break and Flavors of the World, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain/events.
Six Flags Magic Mountain’s 2024 Spring Pass Sale starts on March 18. For a limited time, receive a free upgrade to a Diamond Pass with the purchase of a Platinum Pass and enjoy thrills for all of 2024 with visits to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles with no block out dates, plus parking, admission to Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park, discounts on merchandise and so much more. Visit sixflags.com/magicmountain for details.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is hiring all positions for Spring Break, plus Scream Break event-specific positions including monsters and scare actors. Team Members receive in-park discounts, rewards and recognitions, exclusive Team Member events, and more. Applicants, age 14 and older, can apply online at sixflags.com/magicmountain/jobs.
Six Flags Magic Mountain, known as the Thrill Capital of the World, boasts 20 world-class roller coasters—more than any other theme park on the planet—including roller coaster icons like Twisted Colossus, Tatsu, Goliath, Full Throttle and X2. Thrill seekers of all ages can enjoy various events and entertainment plus over 100 games and attractions. For more information, visit sixflags.com/magicmountain or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn. #ThrillCapitaloftheWorld
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 63 years, Six Flags has entertained hundreds of millions of guests with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.
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