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

Details: The fast-casual restaurant seats 68 people and has a drive-thru and patio. —Linh Ta, Axios, 12 Mar. 2025

Nazo’s Mediterranean Bowls & Salads, a fast-casual spot for Mediterranean food with a Turkish spin, is now open in South Charlotte. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2025

Yoo was inspired to open them because his parents ran the previous eatery in that location, New York Kimchi, for 12 years, a fast-casual eatery upstairs with $15-style Asian bowls and a downstairs BBQ place. —Gary Stern, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

Flower Child is planning to open a fast-casual restaurant on the Gulf Coast in Lakewood Ranch near Bradenton and Sarasota. —Jason Dill, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual