Actually, the weird texture comes from reheating. They make a big batch, let them sit, then zap them under a heat lamp or in a microwave when you order. That's why they get that brittle, greasy feel instead of just being soft. It's a different kind of bad.
Ever wonder why those fries have the exact wrong kind of soggy? Like, they're not just soft, they're somehow damp and greasy at the same time. It's a texture that just kills the whole meal. You get one bite of that and suddenly the whole overpriced lunch feels like a punishment. They must leave them sitting in a steam tray for hours.