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

See Examples For:

fast casual

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

From Barron's ● Dec. 28, 2025

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 30, 2025

“For me seeing a rainbow Chipotle bag does nothing,” said Joseph Pineda, referring to the fast casual burrito chain’s collection of Pride merchandise.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2023

The entire notion of "fast casual" implies a certain swiftness, but individually slicing meats can be time-consuming and dangerous for many food service workers, effectively neutralizing the "fast" part of "fast causal."

From Salon ● Feb. 7, 2023

Ross also has stakes in Equinox Fitness, SoulCycle and several fast casual restaurant chains.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 17, 2022