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

As the fast-casual chain continues its expansion throughout 2025, here's where new restaurants have recently opened. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

Home cooks have embraced the flavor and versatility of dark meat; fast-casual restaurants such as Chipotle and Sweetgreen have it all over their menus. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2025

More than 50 fast-casual eateries, sandwich shops and pubs were nominated for our CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice best french fries contest. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2025

After finishing his degree, Mueller, 22 at the time, returned to India to open California Burrito, a fast-casual Southern California-style burrito restaurant. —Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual