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
The fast-casual pizza chain’s menu includes craft pizza, fresh pastas, beer, wings, salad and more.
—Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Several fast-food and fast-casual chains have announced plans to close underperforming locations in 2026, choosing instead to focus on stronger markets and more efficient operations.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
Chipotle Mexican Grill — Chipotle dipped 1% after the fast-casual burrito chain said store traffic declined for a fourth straight quarter .
—Liz Napolitano,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
Guests can get a regular order of the Mexican fast-casual chain’s 3-Cheese Queso or Queso Diablo with chips for free during every full moon.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fast-casual
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
Several fast-food and fast-casual chains have announced plans to close underperforming locations in 2026, choosing instead to focus on stronger markets and more efficient operations.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
Chipotle Mexican Grill — Chipotle dipped 1% after the fast-casual burrito chain said store traffic declined for a fourth straight quarter .
—Liz Napolitano,darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026
Guests can get a regular order of the Mexican fast-casual chain’s 3-Cheese Queso or Queso Diablo with chips for free during every full moon.
—Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 30 Jan. 2026
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 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
