When Squidward gets hurt on the job, he menaces to take legal action unless his employer, Mr. Krabs, agrees to cater to him to his every need. Mr. Krabs, who eventually gets tired of doing everything for Squidward, hires SpongeBob and Patrick to investigate the scene.

Mr. Krabs and Plankton, his business rival and Chum Bucket owner, set out to find clues on why they have no customers. The enemies find a common enemy—a popular new restaurant—in which they must work together to steal the secret formula of its "Flabby Patty" burgers.