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

Leaderboard Earl Ellis was appointed CFO of Panera Bread, a fast-casual restaurant chain. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025

Goldman Sachs starts coverage of Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant Cava with a hold, citing near-term uncertainties. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025

And a wide range of brands including fast-casual restaurant Sweetgreen and luxury outerwear brand Canada Goose have embraced cowboy hats and rusted-red canyon backdrops in ad campaigns. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025

The company also owns the fast-casual Taco Cabana restaurant chain with 150 locations, and Nick the Greek with 90 locations. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual