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

At Raising Cane’s, a fast-casual dining chain specializing in chicken fingers, headquartered in Baton Rouge, CEO Todd Graves still does shifts as a cashier in his Louisiana hometown. —Julia Dhar, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Locals will also lead you to Katalina’s, a beloved fast-casual spot with several locations around the city. —Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2025

Other fast-casual chains also got in on the ribbing, including Steak n’ Shake, which embodies its own 1950s aesthetic. —Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 21 Aug. 2025

The move comes as Chipotle and other fast-casual restaurants hit a sales slowdown. —Kate Rogers, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual