fast casual

American  

[fast-kazh-oo-uhl] / ˈfæstˈkæʒ u əl /

Or fast-casual

adjective

1. noting or relating to a restaurant that does not have table service but offers made-to-order food that is of higher quality than fast food.

   fast casual dining; a fast casual spot for fresh, authentic burritos.

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fast casual British  

noun

1. a style of fast food involving healthier, fresher, and more varied dishes than traditional fast food, served in more attractive surroundings

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Etymology

Origin of fast casual

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

As fast food and fast casual felt less affordable, casual dining started to look competitive again.

From Barron's

And when young people stop spending, fast casual feels it first.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2008, fast casual made up just 6% of the restaurant industry.

From The Wall Street Journal

In addition to fast food chains, several fast casual chains are also reducing their menu prices in hopes of winning back budget-conscious customers.

From Salon

Similar to Chipotle, other fast casual restaurants like Sweetgreen, Cava and Wingstop have exhibited positive performance.

From Salon