By Shan Li, Los Angeles Times

At Hollywood & Highland Center, mere steps from Hollywood Boulevard’s souvenir-hawking dives, tourists can drop up to $1,000 on fine caviar.

But they aren’t pampered with white-glove service. Tins of the delicacy are dispensed at the tap of a button — from a vending machine.

Veronica Wong buys cupcakes from an ATM in New York. Photo/LTN

After decades of serving up junk food, vending machines are putting on airs.

High-tech versions are popping up at gas stations and shopping malls, peddling edibles more commonly found at restaurants or specialty stores. Some offer free Wi-Fi and touch screens that entertain shoppers while they wait. Many accept credit or debit cards, and a few even sell outrageously expensive items such as jewelry.

Sprinkles Cupcakes is installing its “Cupcake ATM” at all 16 bakeries around the country.

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