A
fast casual restaurant is a type of restaurant, found primarily in the United States, that does not offer full
table service, but promises a higher quality of food with fewer frozen or processed ingredients than a
fast food restaurant. It is an intermediate concept between
fast food and
casual dining, and typically priced accordingly. The category is exemplified by chains such as
Chipotle Mexican Grill,
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers,
Culvers,
Zaxby's,
Noodles & Co.,
Panera Bread,
Pizza Ranch, and
Shake Shack.