Restaurant Glossary

Fast Casual

Restaurant space is full of words that one might not be familiar with, and the restaurant glossary is here to simplify it all for you. It will help you keep up with updated restaurant industry lingo.

What is a fast casual restaurant?

The term fast casual is a relatively new concept in the world of restaurant dining that has a hybrid nature. It’s a mix of fast-food dining and casual dining. In comparison to other restaurant dining concepts, the experience of a customer at a fast-casual restaurant is very different as this concept offers the convenience of fast food without the full service of fine dining. 

Fast casual dining features a more attractive sit-down atmosphere and often allows you to create your own meal. Also the ingredients on the menu are of higher grade than those typically used in fast food restaurants. Some of the renowned fast casual restaurants around the world are, Chipotle, Taco Bell, and IHOP. 

What are the top characteristics of a fast-casual restaurant?

  • Self service
  • Generally less expensive than fine dining restaurants
  • Unique interior designs
  • Drive through options are not available

What is the difference between a fast-casual and quick-service restaurant?

  • At fast casual restaurants, customers can place their orders at the counter, take their seats, and an employee will deliver their food 5–10 minutes later. On the other hand, at QSRs typically, the customers take and eat their food right away.
  • The pricing at fast casual restaurants may be lower than fine dine restaurants but is still on the expensive side. Whereas QSR menu items are generally on the affordable side of the spectrum.
  • Fast casual restaurants comparatively have more variety of items in the menu and tend to have unique interior designs with their focus on ingredient quality and quick service. Whereas, QSRs have limited menu items and usually have simple interior designs with their focus on carrying out orders as fast as possible.

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