In franchises (particularly restaurants), who sets the prices? Corporate or individual owners?

I think places like Wendy's recommend certain specials. I don't think every franchise has to honor them. Not every Duncan Donuts seems to have the same specials on coffee.

Normally (in UK) a business like that would set there own prices..although these's prices will be a result of a *standard*..in others words they will research the prices of similar companies in the area and work around that..
:D

It probably is a corporate suggestion but the owner must take into account a number of things: 1. The prices must be competitive with other business of the same type in the area in order to attract sales, 2. The prices must be sufficient to turn a profit in addition to paying fixed costs, wages and expenses of staff, and satisfying any debt and interest owed.

Just like anything else you buy, the food prices are set based on the market (determining which price will attract enough customers to optimize profit).

As an example, in the city where I live in Australia, McDonalds has given permission to individual franchise owners to set prices depending on the suburb in which they are situated.
Strangely, in a working class suburb, a Happy Meal costs more than in a wealthy suburb. McDonalds reasons that working people will pay whatever it takes to take their kids to McDonalds.
Go and figure!

It depends. Big name franchises control the prices.

Up here most franchisees are bound by the contract they sign with the corporation they purchase their franchise from. There is very little wiggle room if any. We have a chain of convenience stores and they can't even bring an item in to sell on their own. Not even for charity. It all has to be approved by Head Office first.
Hope you and the girls are well Phillis :)