Once-wealthy string magnate Rudolf Smuntz dies, and he leaves his factory to his two sons; the well-meaning and optimistic Lars, and venal cynic Ernie, who has ignored the family business to become a chef. When Lars refuses a buyout from a cord company called Zeppco International, his gold digger wife April bars him from her home. Meanwhile at Ernie's restaurant, Mayor McKrinkle is dining and accidentally eats the head of a cockroach that came from the half-smoked box of Cuban cigars that was given up to Ernie, and the restaurant closes down. It was later mentioned on the news that Mayor McKrinkle died of cardiac arrest at "Our Lady Of Sorrows Hospital" when Ernie starts working at a diner.