Denis Koci, seen last month in West Hollywood, Calif., is the mind behind the Burritobox, a machine that cooks and sells burritos ready to order

LOS ANGELES – At Hollywood and 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.

After decades of dispensing 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 Wi-Fi and touch screens that entertain shoppers while they wait. Many accept credit or debit cards, and a few even sell expensive items such as jewelry. Read more.

What's the last thing you purchased from a vending machine?

 

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