Do you think many companies try to intentionally embarrass and humiliate their employees?

No many companies DO NOT intentionally embarrass or humiliate its employees - it would open them up to lawsuits. What you are talking about is franchise ownership - in which (depending on the franchise) those businesses are run like small business/family businesses. Most franchises are owned by immigrants or small business owners who don't have corporate business sense. I am not familiar with Papa John's Corporate policies but would be quick to say that if their corporate offices knew about these practices in this particular location - the franchise owners would risk lawsuit or losing their franchise. It's not like the corporate office goes around visiting all the franchise locations - so it is impossible for them to know what is going on in the field and how their "brand" is being tarnished by poor business leaders. If you want to make a difference then pick up the phone or write a letter and report the store location so that it can be investigated. If you truly believe in preserving people's dignity at that store location -do your share and say something.