It is not the responsibility of the franchise owners to provide jobs for everyone. If someone want a good job, then he should get quality education and the necessary skills. If automation / robots can reduce the prices, then I am supporting it. Banning the usage of technology, with lame excuses such as unemployment is retarded. McDonald's is not the only job provider in the United States. If you can't get a job with McDonalds, then try the USAF or the local supermarkets.
I'm not sure those businessmen will reduce the price of their products if they use automation systems for their business. I think they will increase the amount of production instead of reducing the price.