SpongeBob, You're Fired!, a food-preparation simulation game based on Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants, teaches both young and old players alike about the basics of preparing food in different types of restaurants and the types of mistakes that can lead to termination of employment.
The game starts at The Krusty Krab where the player, as an unseen SpongeBob, must complete burger orders correctly. The game provides the player with hints to make the process easier, including a drawing next to each server that shows how to place the burger and toppings on a bun and cooking meters that state when to flip the burger to grill both sides and transition it to a bun.
Depending on the speed and accuracy of the order and satisfaction of the server, the player receives a time bonus or penalty. Mr. Krabs fires SpongeBob if one or more servers are dissatisfied with the wait time or the player makes too many mistakes. If the player makes a mistake before presenting a finished order to a server, they can dump the ingredients in the trash.
If SpongeBob needs a new job, the player can find three more opportunities (Pizza Piehole, Taco Sombrero and Weenie Hut) in The Krabby Kronicle Job Ads.
Mr. Krabs might rehire SpongeBob for a bonus shift if the player does somewhat well at one of the other establishments.