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

Chili’s has been winning at fast-casual dining this year while competitors have stifled due to tariffs and changing dining habits. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025

While some names have come and gone, Lettuce owns, manages and licenses more than 50 brands and 100 restaurants in eight states, with offerings ranging from fast-casual to fine dining. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025

Largely inspired by the expansion of Sweetgreen, the duo started a food truck in Washington, DC in 2014 with the intention of taking it fast-casual some day. —Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Being a fast-casual joint and catering to the grab-and-go crowd, Little Ghost will have a walk-up window and takeout as well as local delivery, according to a news release. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual