fast casual

or fast-cas·u·al

[ fast-kazh-oo-uhl ]

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.

fast casual

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of fast casual¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

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

Bowl eating is a subset of fast casual meals, which are increasingly popular in the American work week diet.

From Salon

Dine-in restaurants raised prices about 5.8% for the year, while fast food and fast casual chains hiked up menu prices 7.1%.

From Salon

In a May 23 announcement, Panera mentioned that it has "strengthened its leadership in the fast casual segment by expanding its leading digital capabilities, which today account for 53% of total sales at Panera Bread."

From Salon