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

Wingstop is a fast-casual national chain known for their chicken wings, fries and a cult following for their ranch. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026

Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual chicken salad franchise that’s been popping up around the Kansas City metro, is opening another location. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026

Lola’s is in the former Boston Market on Mack Avenue and billed as a fast-casual concept with a community focus. — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Most of the offenders, too, appear to be delis and bodegas and fast-casual food carts, venues where quality is secondary to moving product quickly and cheaply out the door. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual