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 22-seat fast-casual restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2024

Chicken Guy is a fast-casual eatery chain by Food Network star Guy Fieri. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 30 Mar. 2024

But owners of independent fast-casual and full-service restaurants aren’t sure that will be the case, and anticipate having to raise wages to keep pace. —Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

For fast-casual restaurants, investments in automation are coming to fruition: Sweetgreen implemented the Infinite Kitchen, an automation service that assembles salads and bowls, in its first store last spring and opened a second location with the technology in December. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024

The fast-casual restaurant, located in South End, opened back in 2022. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024

The Queen Creek location and two Mesa locations, plus the family's fast-casual restaurant Pronto will remain open. —The Arizona Republic, 5 Mar. 2024

Habit Burger Grill, a fast-casual chain owned by Taco Bell parent Yum! —Daniela Sirtori-Cortina, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024

The new menu item originally went on sale Monday Chipotle Members of the fast-casual’s Rewards program are able to get a free side of guacamole on Leap Day for any orders placed online or via the company’s app. —Chris Morris, Fortune, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above