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

Later, he was recruited by Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, taking the role of chef de cuisine for one of their fast-casual restaurant concepts. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Sweetgreen, a fast-casual salad chain with a cult-like following, will soon open two Arizona locations. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024

The neighborhood offered way more than fast-casual lunch spots and a strangely enduring Ann Taylor Loft that opened after 9/11. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 5 Dec. 2024

This approach is particularly helpful if a brand experiences product recalls, management changes or an industry-wide downturn, such as the fast-casual dining sector during pandemic lockdowns. —Pete First, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above