With eight dining hotspots under his control, Michael Covino understands better than anyone that time is money.

His next concept, Nonna's Pizza and Pasta, opening in the Worcester Ice Center this fall, plans to experiment with time in an interesting way by employing a relatively new restaurant strategy called "fast casual 2.0."

Fast casual joints like Chipotle, Five Guy's and, more locally, Techni, in downtown Worcester, are currently in vogue. Boasting fresh ingredients, decent atmospheres and speedy service, they're the best alternative for diners looking to get in and out with a nice meal in under 25 minutes.

Fast casual 2.0 elevates that concept closer to the full-service, fine-dining end of the restaurant spectrum.

"Fast casual means you can come in, order to go and get out quick, but 2.0 includes the beverage program and waiters. We're trying to take our full service dining roots and mash it together with fast casual," Covino said.

Covino's got enough experience with serving Worcester a sit-down dining experience. His company, Niche Hospitality Group, operates five restaurants in Central Massachusetts, including The Fix, Mezcal Tequila Cantina and Bocado Tapas Wine Bar.

His eateries are a vital part of Worcester's emerging dining renaissance, and have been contributed to the revitalization of restaurant hot spots like the city's Canal District and Shrewsbury Street.

Fast casual 2.0 is just starting to truly emerge into a nationwide trend as the traditional fast casual boom slowly quiets.

According to QSR.com, a dining publication, there are at least 40 notable fast casual 2.0 restaurants across the country, with some concepts pulling in $2 to $3 million annually. With Nonna's, Covino is experimenting with his own version of 2.0, and bringing a fresh idea to the city's restaurant renaissance.

Like any Chipotle or Qdoba, the customer's first point of contact in the restaurant will be a counter where they order their food. In addition to traditional fast casual-style menus, which are usually smaller and more chef-driven, diners will notice an expanded alcohol menu, as if they were at a traditional Italian restaurant.

Here's the big difference: After ordering and paying at the counter, the customer will be greeted and seated by their waiter.

They're there to grab you an extra soda, or that sauce you forgot to order. Instead of having to walk back up to the counter and possibly risk waiting in line, the server will handle everything for you and add it to your tab.

"The server isn't really taking a full order; they go table to table and refill waters and ask everyone how everything tastes. The 2.0 is fast and casual but we're elevating everything because we think your needs may be additional when you sit down," Covino said.

Like a fast casual joint, your food will be out within 20 minutes. However, instead of disposing of your dirty plates yourself, a busser will take care of things for your.

The server will also ask you if you need a dessert, coffee or another glass of wine. With the elevated atmosphere and service, Covino is hoping you'll spend the extra 15 minutes to sit down and enjoy a treat.

The combination of casual and fine-dining techniques gives customers the opportunity to turn their 25-minute lunch in a 45-minute dining experience, Covino said.

"Fast casual 2.0 for me says the customer can go as fast as they want because they can turn it into a full blown dinner experience with an appetizer, beverage and dessert," Covino said. "They can actually get everything they want out of the full service dining experience, except that their first point of contact is the counter. "

In addition to Nonna's opening later this fall, Covino is eying restaurant spaces at Mercantile Center, in downtown Worcester.