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

After its first win, the fast-casual restaurant expanded and now has six locations across South Florida in Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Pinecrest, Pembroke Pines and Sunrise as well as four in Texas. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2025

Zoom out: The other local spots on the list are mostly fast-casual neighborhood go-tos. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025

The restaurants range from fast-casual to fine dining, so there’s something for every hungry diner. —Helena Wegner, Sacramento Bee, 12 Feb. 2025

Tacos 4 Life, a fast-casual chain that gives back by donating meals, debuted its new Dilworth location on Jan. 7. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above