Flytrex CEO Yariv Bash Discusses Drone Delivery's Future in Fast Casual
In a recent episode of Fast Casual Nation, host Paul Baron sat down with Yariv Bash, CEO and co-founder of Flytrex, to discuss the current state and future of drone delivery in the restaurant industry. Bash revealed that Flytrex has become the largest drone delivery service in the United States, having completed over 130,000 deliveries to customers' backyards in Texas and North Carolina.
The conversation highlighted how Flytrex has streamlined its operations to make drone delivery as simple as possible for restaurant operators. According to Bash, restaurants don't need any special equipment or technical knowledge – they simply place orders on a tether that descends from a drone hovering at 75 feet, similar to a curbside pickup process. The company's latest drones can carry up to 10 pounds and complete deliveries in an average of just 3-4 minutes, ensuring food arrives hot and fresh.
Particularly interesting was Bash's insight into Flytrex's focus on suburban markets, which he estimates encompasses about 82 million backyards in the US. Unlike some competitors focusing on urban areas, Flytrex sees suburbs as the ideal environment for drone delivery, where average order values are higher and delivery logistics are simpler. The company currently operates four stations – two near Durham, North Carolina, and two outside Dallas, Texas – with each station capable of handling hundreds of deliveries daily using just a few dozen drones.
From a business perspective, Bash shared that Flytrex offers significantly lower fees than traditional third-party delivery services, positioning itself at the bottom of the typical 8-25% commission range. The company has already partnered with major chains including Papa John's, El Pollo Loco, Raising Cane's, and Walmart, with more partnerships in the pipeline. Integration typically begins at the corporate level before rolling out to local franchisees.
What sets Flytrex apart technologically is their focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Unlike some autonomous vehicle solutions that require expensive hardware and complex AI systems, Flytrex's drones operate without cameras and are fully autonomous, requiring only a tablet-based operator to oversee multiple drones simultaneously. The company designs and produces all smart components in-house, sourcing only basic parts like motors and carbon components from China.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bash expects both Flytrex and other major players to begin rapid expansion across the US as regulatory hurdles continue to clear. The company's approach of establishing delivery stations near strip malls with 20-50 restaurants, requiring only a small shed and launch pad area, seems positioned for scalable growth. With its proven track record of successful deliveries and high customer satisfaction (evidenced by a 4.9 App Store rating), Flytrex appears well-positioned to help shape the future of food delivery.
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