Why do fast food companies usually franchise their restaurants instead of operating the locations themselves?

Question

Why do fast food companies usually franchise their restaurants instead of operating the locations themselves?

In: 101

Answer 1

The McDonalds in my town (in Ireland) is a money printing machine. Part of that is the draw of the brand but for local people, a huge part of it is that the franchise owner was already a well known and well respected business owner in the town.