
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.

Vera believes that God has visited when George Burns drops by the diner.

Flo's vanity fights with her need to get glasses. When she finally agrees, J.V. tells her he is married. Flo is convinced it is because of the glasses.

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.