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

The fast-casual Greek chain was founded in 2014 by three San Jose cousins — Big Nick, Little Nick and Baby Nick Tsigaris – and acquired by YTG Enterprises in 2022. —Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2025

The fast-casual restaurant introduced footlong cookies, Cinnabon churros, Auntie Anne's pretzels and meat and cheese wraps called Dippers. —Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025

Shares of the fast-casual restaurant chain gained more than 14% over the past six months through Wednesday. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025

The spot, which is the passion project of Dana Monfort, will also feature a New York-style bodega and fast-casual restaurant at 2810 E. 3rd Ave., formerly home to Crepes n’ Crepes. —Max Scheinblum, The Denver Post, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above