fast casual

American

[fast-kazh-oo-uhl] / ˈfæstˈkæʒ u əl /

Or fast-casual

adjective

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.

fast casual British

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fast casual

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The downturn reflects what analysts say is a broader slowdown in fast casual chains — considered a step above fast food but below full-service restaurants.

From Los Angeles Times

“The pricing advantage that fast casual has relative to other segments has eroded significantly” said Aneurin Canham-Clyne, who covers restaurants for the trade publication Restaurant Dive.

From Los Angeles Times

Fast casual chains have to rely on consumers with a range of incomes, not just the top 20% of households, Canham-Clyne said.

From Los Angeles Times

Chipotle shares have fallen more than 37% over the past year, and they are not the only fast casual company to struggle in the stock market.

From Los Angeles Times

“While 2025 has been an uncharacteristically weak year, we believe it is more reflective of macro headwinds—as seen broadly in fast casual—and outsized market share gains, rather than anything specific to Chipotle,” wrote Deutsche Bank analyst Lauren Silberman in a Tuesday note.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023