
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.

Mel injures his back at Alice's apartment and has to stay there for two weeks.

Alice and Vera are stunned when it seems that Flo and Mel have become more than friends, but both go to Alice to try and break off the new relationship.

Alice becomes Mel's conscience when he accidentally receives thousands of dollars from an automatic teller.

The staff is trapped in the diner with two guard dogs.