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

McDonald’s headed a strong day for restaurant stocks, as fellow fast food or fast-casual chains Cava, Chipotle, Shake Shack, Wendy’s and Taco Bell parent Yum! —Derek Saul, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Miller started the fast-casual franchise in southern California in 2015, where there are nine locations. —Jordyn Noennig, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025

The fast-casual Mexican chain debuted its new Crispy Chicken Tacos and Burritos in mid-June. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 9 July 2025

Shake Shack — Shares of the fast-casual restaurant slipped 1.4% following a downgrade at Loop Capital to hold from buy. —Jesse Pound, CNBC, 8 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual