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

The Stand opens in Santee: The Stand, a fast-casual American classics restaurant chain, opened its second San Diego County location on May 15 in Santee. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025

On Tuesday, May 20, the fast-casual restaurant chain debuted a brand new addition to the sides menu, which has so far only ever consisted of their beloved crinkle-cut fries. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 20 May 2025

Topanga is quietly revolutionizing over 430 commercial kitchens and diverse foodservice operations—from bustling fast-casual restaurant chains and large-scale hotel dining halls to critical hospital cafeterias and university meal services. —Jaime Catmull, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

The closures mark another blow for the struggling fast-casual restaurant segment that has recently seen bankruptcy reorganization filings by iconic brands such as TGI Fridays, Red Lobster, Boston Market and Hooters. —Ron Hurtibise, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual