fast-casual

adjective

fast-ca·​su·​al ˈfast-ˈkazh-wəl 

-ˈka-zhə-wəl, 

-ˈka-zhəl

variants or less commonly fast casual

: of, relating to, or being a restaurant that combines elements of fast-food service (such as counter ordering) with other elements (such as made-to-order food) that are typical of a full-service restaurant

The fast-casual restaurants typically offer fresh, hand-prepared burgers and fries in an atmosphere that might feature plush chairs and a fireplace but no kiddie playland.

—Karen Robinson-Jacobs

Not content to merely upgrade their menus, some chains are looking at overhauling their entire concept to match the fast-casual approach, whereby meals typically are prepared to order and there is limited table service.

—Julie Tamaki

fast-casual noun

or fast casual

plural fast-casuals or fast casuals

… fast-casuals became the darling of the last decade, driven in part by the effects of the Great Recession, skyrocketing rents and rising food costs.

—Tim Carman

Examples of fast-casual in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, shares of Cava sank nearly 8% in overnight trading after the fast-casual chain cut its full-year forecast for the second straight quarter. —Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025

Cava, a fast-casual chain that has historically attracted white-collar workers and suburbanites, is having similar issues attracting lower-income diners. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

On Veterans Day, many restaurants, coffee shops, fast-casual eateries and other food and drink establishments offer deals for veterans. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025

Sage & Citrus, a health-forward fast-casual eatery, is getting a food stall at Camp North End’s Keswick District with plans to open in March 2026, according to a news release sent to CharlotteFive. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual