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

Two restaurateur cousins with family roots in Greece have opened a fast-casual, takeout-type restaurant featuring their family’s recipes and other authentic Greek fare. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 31 Mar. 2026

That’s led to the industry tilting toward fast-casual counter service or large-check fine dining. —Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026

The Jamaican cuisine fast-casual eatery, which has been around for about 37 years, might not be gone for good. —Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

Original ChopShop is a fast-casual chain focused on meals made from whole ingredients. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual