Russell Proco, portrayed by Leigh McCloskey, finds himself expelled from numerous schools due to his inappropriate antics and excessive charm that attracts women, even when he lacks interest. Gifted with a substantial trust fund, Russell is confronted with a stipulation in his grandfather's will that prevents him from accessing it until he acquires a college diploma. As he contemplates his dilemma at a local Busterburger—attempting to resist the advances of a particularly friendly and attractive cashier—he learns from a friend about Busterburger University, a place where he might earn the diplomas needed to unlock his trust fund.
Eager to turn his situation around, Russell enrolls, only to clash with the formidable Drootin, played by Dick Butkus, a strict instructor dedicated to weeding out unfit franchise candidates. Drootin lays down three stringent rules that all students must follow: no outside food, they must remain on campus until graduation, and absolutely no sexual relations during their studies. As Russell navigates these challenges, he becomes embroiled with a host of eccentric classmates. These include a fellow womanizer captivated by the CEO’s trophy wife, an overeater who tortures himself with electric shocks, a passionate guerrilla from Central America, and the unique Magneto Jones, a black musician portrayed by Chip McAllister, who is forcefully brought to the university by police in handcuffs to bolster minority representation.
As the story unfolds, Russell feels an undeniable attraction to Mia Vunk, played by Debra Blee, the CEO's daughter whom Drootin is dating. Tensions escalate as Drootin learns of Russell's interest in Mia and becomes determined to expel him. Caught off-campus, Russell undergoes the humiliating punishment of being drenched in special sauce while listening to the company's jingle on repeat.
Despite the challenges, Russell manages to excel in the first segment of the final exam, an oral test overseen by Lyman Vunk, played by Charles Tyner, but his true trial comes when all candidates must oversee a Busterburger for a day. Drootin sabotages their efforts, orchestrating a situation where an eating club of larger individuals descends upon the restaurant, depleting its resources. In an attempt to push back, Russell employs reckless tactics to deal with the situation, which spirals out of control when Drootin provokes a black motorcycle cop, leading to a chaotic series of events involving bikers, misunderstandings, and even a poultry truck collision.
With morale sinking low, Russell delivers an inspiring speech to his fellow students, reminding them of their potential as franchise owners despite the pandemonium. Lyman Vunk, oblivious to the destruction around him, focuses on the potential for a new chicken sandwich, while Drootin faces demotion after a mishap with Vunk's suit. In a heartening turn of events, Russell and Mia begin to forge a relationship. Ultimately, Russell and his fellow students triumph, graduating from Busterburger University, with the celebratory finale featuring Magneto Jones contributing a soulful rendition of the company's theme song.
