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

The fast-casual salad chain slashed its full-year outlook for same-store sales, citing the cyclospora outbreak. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

Catch up with three North Texas business stories, from a beloved Grapevine deli’s reopening to a new fast-casual chain heading to Keller and the closing of select Office Depot locations. — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026

Today, the shopping center is home to senior apartments, a gym and fast-casual chains Papa John’s and Subway. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

From ice cream to pizza, there are plenty of sweet treats and fast-casual fare to keep the whole family fueled for the day. — Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual