<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  9.6.8167.22744 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 8/5/2022 5:34:27 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 8/5/2022 5:34:27 PM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetailsCalc2" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetailsCalc2" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#DisclosureLeasesLeaseCostDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLeaseCostDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00100 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637953176636811461" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637953176636811461" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637953176636821470" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637953176636811461" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637953176636821470" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_637953176636821470" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637953176636811461" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_637953176636821470" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryNet_637953176636821470" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637953176636811461" xlink:to="us-gaap_InventoryNet_637953176636821470" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637953176636821470" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637953176636811461" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637953176636821470" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_637953176636821470" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637953176636811461" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_637953176636821470" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637953176636821470" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637953176636821470" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637953176636821470" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637953176636821470" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_637953176636821470" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill_637953176636821470" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637953176636831456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_637953176636831456" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_637953176636831456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_637953176636831456" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_637953176636831456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_637953176636831456" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637953176636831456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637953176636831456" order="8" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities_637953176636831456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities_637953176636831456" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_637953176636841461" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_637953176636841461" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636841461" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636841461" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_637953176636841461" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_637953176636841461" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_637953176636841461" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_637953176636841461" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636841461" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636841461" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent" xlink:label="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent_637953176636841461" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" xlink:to="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent_637953176636841461" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637953176636851456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637953176636851456" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637953176636851456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637953176636851456" order="8" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637953176636851456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637953176636851456" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_637953176636851456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_637953176636851456" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_637953176636851456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_637953176636851456" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent" xlink:label="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent_637953176636861451" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637953176636831456" xlink:to="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent_637953176636861451" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637953176636861451" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637953176636861451" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637953176636861451" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637953176636831456" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637953176636861451" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_637953176636861451" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_637953176636861451" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637953176636861451" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637953176636861451" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637953176636871453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637953176636861451" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637953176636871453" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637953176636871453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637953176636861451" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637953176636871453" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_637953176636871453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637953176636861451" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_637953176636871453" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637953176636871453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637953176636861451" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637953176636871453" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_637953176636871453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637953176636861451" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_637953176636871453" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00200 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637953176636881483" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637953176636881483" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637953176636881483" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637953176636881483" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637953176636881483" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637953176636881483" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637953176636881483" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637953176636881483" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses" xlink:label="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637953176636881483" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637953176636881483" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_637953176636891464" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_637953176636891464" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectLabor" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_637953176636891464" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_637953176636891464" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_637953176636891464" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_637953176636891464" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637953176636891464" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637953176636891464" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_637953176636891464" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_637953176636891464" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637953176636891464" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637953176636891464" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_637953176636891464" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_637953176636891464" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_637953176636901456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_637953176636901456" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_637953176636901456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_637953176636901456" order="7" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637953176636901456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637953176636881483" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637953176636901456" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" xlink:label="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_637953176636901456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637953176636881483" xlink:to="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_637953176636901456" order="3" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637953176636901456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637953176636901456" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00300 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637953176636911781" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637953176636911781" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637953176636911781" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637953176636911781" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_637953176636911781" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637953176636911781" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_637953176636911781" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationBeforeTax_637953176636911781" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637953176636911781" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationBeforeTax_637953176636911781" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationTax_637953176636911781" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637953176636911781" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationTax_637953176636911781" order="3" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00500 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637953176636921466" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637953176636921466" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637953176636921466" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637953176636921466" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_PropertyEquipmentAndCertainRouAssetsImpairment" xlink:label="loco_PropertyEquipmentAndCertainRouAssetsImpairment_637953176636921466" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="loco_PropertyEquipmentAndCertainRouAssetsImpairment_637953176636921466" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637953176636921466" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637953176636921466" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" xlink:label="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_637953176636931459" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_637953176636931459" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_637953176636931459" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_637953176636931459" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_637953176636931459" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_637953176636931459" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637953176636931459" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637953176636931459" order="8" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_637953176636931459" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_637953176636931459" order="9" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_637953176636931459" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_637953176636931459" order="10" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_637953176636931459" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_637953176636931459" order="11" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_637953176636941456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_637953176636941456" order="12" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_637953176636941456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_637953176636941456" order="13" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_637953176636941456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_637953176636941456" order="14" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities_637953176636941456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities_637953176636941456" order="15" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities_637953176636941456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities_637953176636941456" order="16" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_637953176636941456" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_637953176636941456" order="17" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_637953176636951449" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637953176636921466" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_637953176636951449" order="18" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637953176636951449" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637953176636951449" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses_637953176636951449" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637953176636951449" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses_637953176636951449" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_637953176636951449" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637953176636951449" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_637953176636951449" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637953176636951449" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637953176636951449" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_637953176636951449" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637953176636951449" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_637953176636951449" order="1" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_637953176636961453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637953176636951449" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_637953176636961453" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637953176636961453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637953176636951449" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637953176636961453" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_637953176636961453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637953176636951449" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_637953176636961453" order="4" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40201 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment - Schedule of Costs and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization of Major Classes of Property (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637953176636971460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637953176636971460" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637953176636971460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637953176636971460" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40501 - Disclosure - Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities - Schedule of Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities (Detail)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_637953176636971460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_637953176636971460" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_637953176636971460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_637953176636971460" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedAdvertisingCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedAdvertisingCurrent_637953176636971460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedAdvertisingCurrent_637953176636971460" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_637953176636971460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_637953176636971460" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedPayrollTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedPayrollTaxesCurrent_637953176636971460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedPayrollTaxesCurrent_637953176636971460" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFeeCurrent" xlink:label="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFeeCurrent_637953176636981458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFeeCurrent_637953176636981458" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgram" xlink:label="loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgram_637953176636981458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgram_637953176636981458" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636981458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637953176636981458" order="8" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetailsCalc2" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40505 - Disclosure - Leases - Minimum Future Lease Obligations (Details) (Calc 2)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637953176636981458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637953176636981458" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_637953176636981458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_637953176636981458" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637953176636981458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_637953176636981458" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637953176636981458" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637953176636991458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_637953176636981458" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637953176636991458" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637953176636991458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637953176636991458" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637953176636991458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637953176636991458" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637953176636991458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637953176636991458" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637953176636991458" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637953176636991458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637953176636991458" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637953176636991458" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Schedule of Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Detail)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_EmployerSocialSecurityTaxDeferralNoncurrent" xlink:label="loco_EmployerSocialSecurityTaxDeferralNoncurrent_637953176637001462" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:to="loco_EmployerSocialSecurityTaxDeferralNoncurrent_637953176637001462" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees" xlink:label="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees_637953176637001462" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:to="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees_637953176637001462" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_637953176637001462" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_637953176637001462" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637953176637001462" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637953176637001462" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40802 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share- Schedule of Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Share Counts (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_9EEB2DD1D64F566D9055B188C23574A9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637953176637001462" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_9EEB2DD1D64F566D9055B188C23574A9" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637953176637001462" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_637953176637012204" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_9EEB2DD1D64F566D9055B188C23574A9" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_637953176637012204" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLeaseCostDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41102 - Disclosure - Leases - Lease Cost (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseCost_637502132371873510" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_637953176637012204" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost_637502132371873510" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_637953176637012204" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_637953176637012204" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost_637502132371873510" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_637953176637012204" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_637953176637012204" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost_637502132371873510" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_637953176637012204" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_SubleaseIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_637953176637012204" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost_637502132371873510" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_637953176637012204" order="4" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_637953176637012204" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost_637502132371873510" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_637953176637012204" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_637953176637021460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost_637502132371873510" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_637953176637021460" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41104 - Disclosure - Leases - Minimum Future Lease Obligations (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637953176637021460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637953176637021460" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637953176637021460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637953176637021460" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637953176637021460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637953176637021460" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637953176637021460" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637953176637021460" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637953176637031453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637953176637031453" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637953176637031453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637953176637031453" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:label="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths_637953176637031453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths_637953176637031453" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637953176637031453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637953176637031453" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinTwoYears" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinTwoYears_637953176637031453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinTwoYears_637953176637031453" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinThreeYears" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinThreeYears_637953176637031453" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinThreeYears_637953176637031453" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinFourYears" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinFourYears_637953176637041458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinFourYears_637953176637041458" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637953176637041458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637953176637041458" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637953176637041458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637953176637041458" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637953176637041458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637953176637041458" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637953176637041458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637953176637041458" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637953176637041458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637953176637041458" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2022/elts/us-gaap-2022.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637953176637051458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637953176637051458" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20220629.xsd#loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637953176637051458" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637953176637051458" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
</link:linkbase>
