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

Sage & Citrus, a health-forward fast-casual eatery, is getting a food stall at Camp North End’s Keswick District with plans to open in March 2026, according to a news release sent to CharlotteFive. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025

Chipotle's weak performance bodes poorly for its fast-casual peers, like Sweetgreen and Cava. —Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025

Even fast-casual dining may be too much of a financial burden for younger generations. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025

Meridian’s newest fast-casual restaurant will give away Slice House hats to the first 50 customers Saturday. —Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual