I finally made a withdrawal from the Sprinkles ATM when Cousins Jackie and Jessica came to town for a short visit. As part of a whirlwind tour of Los Angeles that included a stop at the Santa Monica Pier, a stroll down Rodeo Drive, and dinner in Thaitown, we swung by the ATM for the pleasure of having a cupcake delivered via robot claw. It was a riotous occasion.
The Sprinkles ATM, which debuted in March in the space next to the original cupcakery, provides a sweet fix to cupcake lovers 24 hours a day. The machine stocks an array of freshly baked cupcakes that always includes Red Velvet, the shop’s most popular flavor. Of course, if one’s favorite flavor isn’t available inside the machine, the Sprinkles brick and mortar is only a few short steps away.
With its bright blue, pink, green, and red stripes, the Sprinkles ATM is a real looker. While the machine is far more attractive than an ordinary bank ATM, the experience of purchasing a cupcake feels surprisingly similar to making a cash withdrawal.
A touchscreen monitor lead me through the process of choosing a flavor and making a purchase. Cupcakes, which are regularly priced at $3.50 inside the shop, are priced at $4 at the ATM. I didn’t mind the surcharge on my inaugural visit, but would likely feel the pinch on subsequent visits and head for the shop instead.
