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 chain will introduce a new line of drinks including Blueberry Lavender Lemonade, Pomegranate Hibiscus Tea, Citrus Punch, and a Tropical Green Smoothie as part of a menu overhaul initially announced in February. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 8 May 2024

Cava Cava is a fast-casual Mediterranean food chain. —Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2024

After months of warnings and several lawsuits, health-adjacent fast-casual eatery Panera is finally discontinuing its line of Charged Lemonade drinks. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 7 May 2024

The fast-casual food chain announced the move Tuesday. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024

Nurses and teachers take note: Drive-throughs and fast-casual restaurants are offering special deals for you the first week of May. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 May 2024

Dishes on offer at the fast-casual restaurant include Mediterranean favorites like the gyro plate ($17.95), a mezze plate ($15.95) featuring dolmades, falafel, spanakopita and hummus, and baklava ($5.95) — but also American fusion dishes like feta fries ($6.95) and baklava ice cream ($6.95). —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2024

The fast-casual seafood chain is reportedly eyeing Chapter 11 bankruptcy after an endless shrimp deal proved way too popular. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2024

The fast-casual restaurant is located at 2700 Pinole Valley Blvd. —John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1995, in the meaning defined above