
After her husband is killed in a trucking accident, Alice packs up the car and her son, Tommy, and heads to Hollywood, dreaming of a singing career. Her car breaks down in Phoenix, forcing her to take a job at Mel's Diner, a greasy spoon where gruff owner Mel barks orders to Alice and her fellow waitresses.

A high school basketball player falls for Alice when Tommy invites him over for dinner. He slips into depression when she refuses to go to the prom with him.

Alice's psychology course causes a lot of friction at the diner.

The gang at Mel's becomes upset when a young man complains about food additives.

Flo's rodeo-riding brother falls for Alice, causing his horse to feel rejected.