Cupcake ATM: For All Those Midnight Cravings (VIDEO)
If any sweet lover has ever been in the mood for a cupcake and realized that it was well past midnight, they can now rest assure that they are not alone. One sweet lover's craving has led to what is being called "The Cupcake ATM" which serves mostly as a cupcake vending machine.
Sprinkles Cupcakes is the leader in what could easily be the newest trend within the cupcake frenzy that has taken America. "Cupcake Wars" Food Network judge Candace Nelson found herself craving a cupcake one day, at a very inopportune time. Despite being the founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, she was left without. However, though her craving went unsatisfied, it also led to one very satisfying idea.
Thus, the cupcake ATM plan fell into action.
"It's the concept of making sure someone can get a freshly baked cupcake at anytime," Sprinkles spokesperson Vineet Chaplot told CNN. "We have a lot of customers who like to come later at night."
The newly fashioned ATM comes fully loaded with 600 cupcakes. Customers use a touch screen to pick their favorite; an option for K-9 friends is also included. While customers await their order, a camera inside gives customers a view of their cupcake being personally selected.
"While the credit card is processing, you'll see a video of the actual camera on the robotic arm going and getting the cupcake that you'll receive," said Chaplot. The robotic arm places the cupcake onto a platform, and then the dainty cardboard box is revealed at the turn of a cylinder.
Worried about getting a stale cupcake? Customers can rest easy. "We're stocking the cupcakes day and night, so anyone that comes to get a cupcake is getting a fresh one. It's not something that's been sitting in the machine for a long time," Chaplot explained.
The first machine has landed itself right in front of Sprinkles flagship store in Beverly Hills, and according to CNN, the cupcake ATM won't be dispensing solo for long. "Sprinkles is expanding this technology to their nine locations across the country. New York, Washington D.C. and Chicago will see Cupcake ATMs on the streets this summer and yes, doggie treats at all locales will be the icing on the cake," reported the media outlet.
