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

There’s Cincinnati-style chili, a thin tomato-beef sauce simmered with warm spices (cinnamon, allspice, cloves) introduced by Greek immigrants and made famous by the local fast-casual chain Skyline Chili. —Katie Chang, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024

The Mexican fast-casual spot will stay open until midnight in some college towns so students can score a $6 midnight meal. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024

The 52-year-old CEO and co-founder has watched Cava, the cult-classic Mediterranean fast-casual spot, skyrocket. —Jane Thier, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2024

Gone are the days when the only options available at fast-casual restaurants were the celery sticks that came with chicken wings. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above