Duane R. Campbell

When Mel (VIC TAYBACK) installs a time clock in the diner, he learns that time is money.

Alice (LINDA LAVIN) is moonlighting as a singer while Mel (VIC TAYBACK) is irate at her tardiness caused by lack of sleep.

Martha Raye plays Carrie Sharples, Mel's mother, who shows up as a surprise to visit with her son in Phoenix. Mel must face up to Carrie and remind her he's no longer her little boy.

Mel (VIC TAYBACK) finds a buyer for the diner and retires, leaving Alice, Flo and Vera (LINDA LAVIN, POLLY HOLLIDAY and BETH HOWLAND) in the hands of an annoying perfectionist.

Alice (LINDA LAVIN) tries to save Mel's (VIC TAYBACK) "on-again-off-again" romance with Marie (VICTORIA CARROLL) but to no avail.

Mel's mother (MARTHA RAYE) takes over the running of Mel's Diner when Mel's (VIC TAYBACK) bad back keeps him home in bed, and much to Mel's dismay, she doubles his business.