Chipotle and Zipline Serve First Drone Food Delivery on a PGA Tour Green in Austin

Chipotle and Zipline completed the first drone food delivery in PGA Tour history, bringing steak bowls and burritos to golfers Joel Dahmen and Mark Hubbard on the 18th hole during their practice round for the Austin Championship. Retail Technology Innovation Hub reported the delivery on November 12, 2026.

How the Austin Green Delivery Worked

The delivery took place at the Fazio Canyons course at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas. Dahmen received a steak bowl with chips and Queso Blanco, and Hubbard received a steak burrito with guac.

"Usually after a round, we're the ones making a Chipotle run. This time, Chipotle came to us," Dahmen said. "When your burrito can meet you on 18, it makes you rethink what's possible."

Chipotle first partnered with Zipline in 2025 to expand delivery beyond traditional destinations, including backyards and public parks. Zipline drone food delivery is currently available for Chipotle customers in Dallas and Austin.

"A golf course isn't a place you'd traditionally expect to have a freshly prepared meal delivered—or, even better, have it arrive from the sky. That's what makes this moment so exciting," said Arlie Sisson, Chief Digital Officer at Chipotle. "Together with Zipline, we're using technology to redefine convenience and bring Chipotle to our guests."

Zipline's drone network is expanding in Texas. On November 10, 2026, Katy City Council approved rezoning for a Zipline drone charging station at 27240 Katy Freeway, a site of under three acres that will have six towers carrying up to six drones each, with construction expected to take 8-10 weeks, Community Impact reported.

Chipotle's Drone Partnership and Digital Role

According to akta.pro company records, Chipotle's drone-delivery partnership with Zipline uses Platform 2 drones capable of operating in rain, heat, and cold, with a 5.5 lb payload limit. An initial test in Rowlett, TX was expanded to North Fort Worth in 2026, with further Q2 expansion planned. The same records show Chipotle created its first-ever Chief Digital Officer role, held by Arlie Sisson, as part of its "Recipe for Growth" turnaround strategy.

Chipotle's Recent Openings Before the Drone Delivery

Chipotle opened a restaurant in Tipp City, Ohio, at 952 W. Main Street, the former Burger King site, on November 9, 2026, Yahoo reported. The location features a Chipotlane drive-thru. On the same day, BizTimes reported that Chipotle plans a restaurant at 9046 N. Green Bay Road in Brown Deer, leasing from Woodsonia Real Estate Group, with the village's Plan Commission set to consider it that day. Community Impact reported on November 11, 2026, that Chipotle will open a new restaurant in Kingwood on November 19, featuring a Chipotlane drive-thru pick-up lane for digital orders at 25661 Hwy. 59.