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

But fast-casual brands like Chipotle didn’t succeed just by saving on the labor costs of servers and dishwashers. —Meghan McCarron Phil Donohue, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

That includes frequenting fast-food chains such as Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s, and fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle and Cava. —Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2025

Typically, during economic downturns, fast-food chains report stronger sales than other restaurants, as price-sensitive consumers trade down from full-service dining and fast-casual lunches to less pricey combo meals at McDonald’s or Burger King. —Dan Mangan,kevin Breuninger,christina Wilkie,michele Luhn, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025

That location was distinct because of its fast-casual format, which required guests to order at a counter before sitting down and being served. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fast-casual

• casual