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
Karen Robinson-JacobsNot 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
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
Tim Carman
Examples of fast-casual in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As the fast-casual chain continues its expansion throughout 2025, here's where new restaurants will open soon.
—Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The fast-casual chain aims to open its first stores in South Korea and Singapore next year.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
The venue is described as a fast-casual, grab-and-go market with its own entrance, a fresh fish display and a walk-up counter.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Dining in the three main dining rooms, buffets, fast-casual options, room service, and most non-alcoholic drinks, including sodas, are all part of the cost of a cruise.
—Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
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Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
The fast-casual chain aims to open its first stores in South Korea and Singapore next year.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
The venue is described as a fast-casual, grab-and-go market with its own entrance, a fresh fish display and a walk-up counter.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
Dining in the three main dining rooms, buffets, fast-casual options, room service, and most non-alcoholic drinks, including sodas, are all part of the cost of a cruise.
—Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fast-casual
Cite this Entry
“Fast-casual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fast-casual. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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