
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.

Alice, Flo, and Vera have a girls night out. At a singles bar Alice and Flo each meet a great guy, only to discover they have been talking to the same guy.

Alice discovers that one of the diner's regulars may be a gangster.

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.