I have worked at McDonalds when I was younger and my checks were not paid by McD's but the franchisee, I understand how they run. Not many big time compianies own their own restraurant and if they do it is in the big places like Chicago etc...
Yep, I had a cousin who worked as a district manager at one time for McDonald's. His was paid by the franchisee and not the corporation.
Wasn't at one time Wendy's known as Judy's. Hardee's is known as Carl's Drive In, in some places, I believe.