by Hal Erickson
synopsis
With the help of local legal expert Earl Hicks (Dave Madden), Mel (Vic Tayback) signs a profit-sharing agreement with waitresses Alice (Linda Lavin), Belle (Diane Ladd) and Vera (Beth Howland). No sooner has the ink dried than Mel is apprised of a means by which he can make more money than ever before. Unfortunately, this would require him to allow the city to condemn the diner--leaving the waitresses holding the bag (but no dough!)
