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

For a fast-casual lunch stop, head to JB's Cali Fusion, which does inventive fusion burritos. — Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026

The new restaurant is expected to introduce fast-casual counter service. — Connie Ogle june 30, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Big sister restaurant Illios Noche actually started out with that customizable meal concept — but Charlotte wasn’t ready for fast-casual in 2003, when Greek food was harder to find. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026

Self-service kiosk systems, especially popular in fast-food and fast-casual concepts, often result in higher average orders and are beloved by diners. — John Kell, Fortune, 17 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual