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

Across town in Montrose, fast-casual spot ChòpnBlọk pulses with West African energy. —Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026

Other nearby lots are being turned into a car wash and fast-casual restaurants built primarily around drive-thrus and takeout. —Juan Sebastian Arias, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

Five years ago Goop Kitchen became her fast-casual food brand with takeout options in LA and now the Bay Area. —Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 17 Apr. 2026

The fast-casual eatery is slated to open this summer, according to social media posts, though an official launch date hasn’t been announced. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual