fast-casual
Between quick, upscale
Fast-casual describes a restaurant category between fast food and casual dining.
The food aspires to higher quality than drive-through chains, but service remains counter-based with no table waitstaff: Chipotle pioneered the fast-casual model.
Customers typically order at a counter, then seat themselves.
The term emerged in the 1990s as chains sought to attract diners willing to pay more for fresher ingredients and customization without the time commitment of sit-down service.
Mexican fast-casual chain
- Shake ShackFast-casual burger restaurant
- customizableAble to be modified
- bowlsDeep rounded containers
- Five GuysFast-casual hamburger restaurant
Nando's · Wingstop · Qdoba · order-ahead · pickup · touchscreen · kiosk · tray
Elegant and expensive
- affordableReasonably priced
- qualityStandard or attribute
- valueImportance or price
- mid-rangeMiddle of spectrum
accessible · elevated · approachable · quick-service · hybrid · mainstream · urban · suburban
Newly made, not stale
- made-to-orderCreated to individual specifications
- transparencyState of being see-through
- customizationModification to individual preference
- healthierMore free from illness
sustainable · farm-to-table · artisanal · craft · organic · seasonal · wholesome · scratch-made
Mood of surroundings
- industrialOf factories and production
- minimalistOne favoring bare essentials
- seatingAvailable places to sit
- eco-friendlyNot harming the environment
reusable · branding · playlist · vibe · atmosphere · lighting · aesthetic · mobile-ordering
Chipotle
Mexican fast-casual chain
- Shake ShackFast-casual burger restaurant
- customizableAble to be modified
- bowlsDeep rounded containers
Five Guys · Nando's · Wingstop · Qdoba · order-ahead · pickup · touchscreen · kiosk · tray
upscale
Elegant and expensive
- affordableReasonably priced
- qualityStandard or attribute
- valueImportance or price
mid-range · accessible · elevated · approachable · quick-service · hybrid · mainstream · urban · suburban · millennial
fresh
Newly made, not stale
- made-to-orderCreated to individual specifications
- transparencyState of being see-through
- customizationModification to individual preference
healthier · sustainable · farm-to-table · artisanal · craft · organic · seasonal · wholesome · scratch-made · antibiotic-free
ambiance
Mood of surroundings
- industrialOf factories and production
- minimalistOne favoring bare essentials
- seatingAvailable places to sit
eco-friendly · reusable · branding · playlist · vibe · atmosphere · lighting · aesthetic · mobile-ordering · curbside
fast-casualfine dining
Elegant restaurant experience
full-service · upscale dining · formal dining · haute cuisine · slow food
fast-casualfast food
Speedy prepared meals
quick-service · drive-thru · grab-and-go · junk food · McDonald's
fast, casual, faster, fastest, fasten, fastness, casually, casualness