Final answer:
It is the middle managers who typically prepare budgets in a chain of pizza restaurants, as part of their responsibilities in overseeing operation details and day-to-day financial tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Within a chain of pizza restaurants, it is typically middle managers who are responsible for preparing budgets. Middle managers oversee operation details, ensure staff performance, and handle day-to-day financial tasks such as budgeting. Tasks within a restaurant are divided into different roles, and while roles like inventory clerks, sales cashiers, and all employees play essential parts in the business's function, it is the middle managers who tend to have the responsibility of budget preparation. They ensure that financial resources are allocated efficiently and help in the economic planning and management of the restaurant. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Middle managers.