

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<xsd:schema attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20181226" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:loco="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20181226" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" xmlns:us-types="http://fasb.org/us-types/2018-01-31" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2018/elts/srt-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-roles-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-types/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-types-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/arcrole/fact-explanatoryFact" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/arcrole/factExplanatory-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/net-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/nonNumeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2017/country-2017-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2017/currency-2017-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2018/dei-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2018/exch-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2017/naics-2017-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011-01-31" schemaLocation="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2011/sic-2011-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018-01-31" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2018/stpr-2018-01-31.xsd" />
  <xsd:annotation>
    <xsd:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="loco-20181226_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="loco-20181226_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="loco-20181226_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="loco-20181226_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsAndContingencies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies">
        <link:definition>2114100 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2414401 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>1001000 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1001501 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>1004000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>1003000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations">
        <link:definition>1002000 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1002501 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CurrentCreditAgreements" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CurrentCreditAgreements">
        <link:definition>2106100 - Disclosure - Current Credit Agreements</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CurrentCreditAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CurrentCreditAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2406401 - Disclosure - Current Credit Agreements  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DescriptionOfBusiness" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DescriptionOfBusiness">
        <link:definition>2101100 - Disclosure - Description of Business</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DescriptionOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DescriptionOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2401401 - Disclosure - Description of Business  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="DocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>0002000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShare" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/EarningsPerShare">
        <link:definition>2113100 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/EarningsPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>2413402 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share  - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) per Share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/EarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails">
        <link:definition>2413403 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share  - Schedule of Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Share Counts (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EarningsPerShareTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables">
        <link:definition>2313301 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EmployeeBenefitPlans" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlans">
        <link:definition>2111100 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="EmployeeBenefitPlansAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/EmployeeBenefitPlansAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2411401 - Disclosure - Employee Benefit Plans  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>2110100 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2410404 - Disclosure - Income Taxes  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2410405 - Disclosure - Income Taxes  - Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfEffectiveIncomeTaxRateDetails">
        <link:definition>2410403 - Disclosure - Income Taxes  - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesScheduleOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/IncomeTaxesScheduleOfProvisionForIncomeTaxesDetails">
        <link:definition>2410402 - Disclosure - Income Taxes  - Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables">
        <link:definition>2310301 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Leases" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/Leases">
        <link:definition>2105100 - Disclosure - Leases</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2405402 - Disclosure - Leases  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LeasesScheduleOfFutureLeasesObligationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesScheduleOfFutureLeasesObligationsDetails">
        <link:definition>2405403 - Disclosure - Leases  - Schedule of Future Leases Obligations (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LeasesScheduleOfFutureLeasesObligationsDetailsCalc2" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesScheduleOfFutureLeasesObligationsDetailsCalc2">
        <link:definition>2405403 - Disclosure - Leases  - Schedule of Future Leases Obligations (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LeasesScheduleOfMinimumFutureRentalIncomeUnderNonCancelableOperatingLeaseDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesScheduleOfMinimumFutureRentalIncomeUnderNonCancelableOperatingLeaseDetails">
        <link:definition>2405405 - Disclosure - Leases  - Schedule of Minimum Future Rental Income Under Non-Cancelable Operating Lease (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LeasesScheduleOfRentExpenseDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesScheduleOfRentExpenseDetails">
        <link:definition>2405404 - Disclosure - Leases  - Schedule of Rent Expense (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LeasesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesTables">
        <link:definition>2305301 - Disclosure - Leases (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities">
        <link:definition>2108100 - Disclosure - Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail">
        <link:definition>2408402 - Disclosure - Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities  - Schedule of Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>2308301 - Disclosure - Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherNoncurrentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilities">
        <link:definition>2109100 - Disclosure - Other Noncurrent Liabilities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail">
        <link:definition>2409402 - Disclosure - Other Noncurrent Liabilities  - Schedule of Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Detail)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>2309301 - Disclosure - Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertyAndEquipment" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment">
        <link:definition>2103100 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2403403 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails">
        <link:definition>2403402 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment  - Schedule of Costs and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization of Major Classes of Property (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="PropertyAndEquipmentTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables">
        <link:definition>2303301 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>2117100 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2417403 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2417402 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)  - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/QuarterlyResultsOfOperationsUnauditedTables">
        <link:definition>2317301 - Disclosure - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RelatedPartyTransactions" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions">
        <link:definition>2115100 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2415401 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomers">
        <link:definition>2116100 - Disclosure - Revenue from Contracts with Customers</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2416402 - Disclosure - Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2416405 - Disclosure - Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Change in Contract Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails">
        <link:definition>2416404 - Disclosure - Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Revenues Disaggregated by Geographic Market (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueSourceAndMarketDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueSourceAndMarketDetails">
        <link:definition>2416403 - Disclosure - Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Revenues Disaggregated by Revenue Source and Market (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables">
        <link:definition>2316301 - Disclosure - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails">
        <link:definition>2416406 - Disclosure - Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Unsatisfied Performance Obligation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockBasedCompensation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensation">
        <link:definition>2112100 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2412402 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockBasedCompensationChangesInStockOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationChangesInStockOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>2412403 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation  - Changes in Stock Options (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedSharesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedSharesDetails">
        <link:definition>2412405 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation  - Schedule of Changes in Restricted Shares (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockBasedCompensationStockOptionsByRangeOfExercisePricesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationStockOptionsByRangeOfExercisePricesDetails">
        <link:definition>2412404 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation  - Stock Options By Range of Exercise Prices (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="StockBasedCompensationTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationTables">
        <link:definition>2312301 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>2102100 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2402403 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesFairValueMeasurementsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesFairValueMeasurementsDetails">
        <link:definition>2402406 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  - Fair Value Measurements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOtherIntangiblesNetDefiniteLivedDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOtherIntangiblesNetDefiniteLivedDetails">
        <link:definition>2402405 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  - Other Intangibles, Net-Definite Lived (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>2202201 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyAndEquipmentOwnedNetDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPropertyAndEquipmentOwnedNetDetails">
        <link:definition>2402404 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  - Property and Equipment Owned, Net (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfImpactOnBalanceSheetOfNewAccountingPronouncementsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfImpactOnBalanceSheetOfNewAccountingPronouncementsDetails">
        <link:definition>2402407 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  - Summary of Impact on Balance Sheet of New Accounting Pronouncements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfImpactOnStatementOfOperationsFromAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesSummaryOfImpactOnStatementOfOperationsFromAdoptionOfNewAccountingPronouncementsDetails">
        <link:definition>2402408 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  - Summary of Impact on Statement of Operations from Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
        <link:definition>2302302 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilities">
        <link:definition>2104100 - Disclosure - Trademarks, Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2404405 - Disclosure - Trademarks, Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities  - Additional Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfDomesticTrademarksDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfDomesticTrademarksDetails">
        <link:definition>2404402 - Disclosure - Trademarks, Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities  - Schedule of Domestic Trademarks (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfEstimatedNetAmortizationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfEstimatedNetAmortizationDetails">
        <link:definition>2404404 - Disclosure - Trademarks, Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities  - Schedule of Estimated Net Amortization (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsSubjectToAmortizationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfIntangibleAssetsSubjectToAmortizationDetails">
        <link:definition>2404403 - Disclosure - Trademarks, Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities  - Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/TrademarksOtherIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>2304301 - Disclosure - Trademarks, Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xsd:appinfo>
  </xsd:annotation>
  <xsd:element id="loco_AbandonedSiteandOtherSiteSelectionCosts" name="AbandonedSiteandOtherSiteSelectionCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_AccruedLegalSettlementsAndProfessionalFees" name="AccruedLegalSettlementsAndProfessionalFees" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgramLiabilityCurrent" name="AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgramLiabilityCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_AccumulatedImpairmentLossesIntangibleAssets" name="AccumulatedImpairmentLossesIntangibleAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_AdvertisingCostsIncludedInAccountsReceivableAndCurrentAssets" name="AdvertisingCostsIncludedInAccountsReceivableAndCurrentAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_AdvertisingFeeFromAffiliates" name="AdvertisingFeeFromAffiliates" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_AgreementTerminationPeriod" name="AgreementTerminationPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_AverageUnitVolumeOfSales" name="AverageUnitVolumeOfSales" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:perUnitItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" name="BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" name="BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_CapitalizedInternalWages" name="CapitalizedInternalWages" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" name="ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ChickenAcquisitionCorpMember" name="ChickenAcquisitionCorpMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ChickenMember" name="ChickenMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_CompanyOperatedRestaurantRevenueMember" name="CompanyOperatedRestaurantRevenueMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses" name="CompanyRestaurantExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ComparableRestaurantSalesGrowthAbstract" name="ComparableRestaurantSalesGrowthAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_ContractwithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAdditions" name="ContractwithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAdditions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_ContractwithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAdditionsRevenueRecognized" name="ContractwithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAdditionsRevenueRecognized" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandEighteenMember" name="CreditAgreementTwoThousandEighteenMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandFourteenMember" name="CreditAgreementTwoThousandFourteenMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_CumulativeEffectAdjustmentPercentageOfTotalAssets" name="CumulativeEffectAdjustmentPercentageOfTotalAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_DanielTurocyetal.andRonHustonetalv.ElPolloLocoHoldingsInc.etalMember" name="DanielTurocyetal.andRonHustonetalv.ElPolloLocoHoldingsInc.etalMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_DebtInstrumentCovenantDescriptionMaximumLeverageRatio" name="DebtInstrumentCovenantDescriptionMaximumLeverageRatio" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualPaymentForOtherRestrictedPayments" name="DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualPaymentForOtherRestrictedPayments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualPaymentForStockOptionPlansEmploymentAgreementsandIncentivePlans" name="DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualPaymentForStockOptionPlansEmploymentAgreementsandIncentivePlans" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRedemptionRepurchaseAcquiredEquityInterests" name="DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRedemptionRepurchaseAcquiredEquityInterests" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRepurchaseorRedemptionofQualifiedEntityInterests" name="DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRepurchaseorRedemptionofQualifiedEntityInterests" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_DebtRefinancingCosts" name="DebtRefinancingCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees" name="DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitNetofRevaluation" name="DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitNetofRevaluation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAxis" name="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionDomain" name="DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" name="DocumentAndEntityInformationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDeductionsWorkingOpportunityTaxCredit" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDeductionsWorkingOpportunityTaxCredit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationShareBasedCompensationOptionExercises" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationShareBasedCompensationOptionExercises" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ElliottOlveraetalv.ElPolloLocoInc.etalMember" name="ElliottOlveraetalv.ElPolloLocoInc.etalMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_EmployeesMember" name="EmployeesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_EnterpriseZoneMember" name="EnterpriseZoneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember" name="ExercisePriceRangeFiveMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ExercisePriceRangeFourMember" name="ExercisePriceRangeFourMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ExercisePriceRangeOneMember" name="ExercisePriceRangeOneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember" name="ExercisePriceRangeThreeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" name="ExercisePriceRangeTwoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ExercisePriceTwoMember" name="ExercisePriceTwoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLifeRenewalPeriod" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLifeRenewalPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesAfterYearFive" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesAfterYearFive" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesNextTwelveMonths" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesNextTwelveMonths" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesYearFive" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesYearFive" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesYearFour" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesYearFour" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesYearThree" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesYearThree" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesYearTwo" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAmortizationExpensesYearTwo" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNetAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" name="FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNetAmortizationExpenseFiscalYearMaturityAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FireInsuranceProceedsForPropertyAndEquipment" name="FireInsuranceProceedsForPropertyAndEquipment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FirstLienCreditAgreementMember" name="FirstLienCreditAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FranchiseAdvertisingFeeMember" name="FranchiseAdvertisingFeeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FranchiseContractMember" name="FranchiseContractMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FranchiseDevelopmentAdditionalOptionAgreementMember" name="FranchiseDevelopmentAdditionalOptionAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FranchiseDevelopmentAgreementMember" name="FranchiseDevelopmentAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FranchiseDevelopmentInitialOptionAgreementMember" name="FranchiseDevelopmentInitialOptionAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FranchiseFeePercentage" name="FranchiseFeePercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FranchiseRentalIncomeMember" name="FranchiseRentalIncomeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FutureLeasePaymentsDueLineItems" name="FutureLeasePaymentsDueLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_FutureLeasePaymentsDueTable" name="FutureLeasePaymentsDueTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_GainLossOnBusinessInterruptionInsuranceRecovery" name="GainLossOnBusinessInterruptionInsuranceRecovery" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_GainOnBusinessInterruptionInsuranceRecoveryLostProfit" name="GainOnBusinessInterruptionInsuranceRecoveryLostProfit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_GainOnBusinessInterruptionInsuranceRecoveryPropertyEquipmentAndExpenses" name="GainOnBusinessInterruptionInsuranceRecoveryPropertyEquipmentAndExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_GeneralInsuranceExpenseFireLoss" name="GeneralInsuranceExpenseFireLoss" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumNetExposure" name="GuaranteeObligationsMaximumNetExposure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_HardwareServicesMember" name="HardwareServicesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ImpactDamagesMember" name="ImpactDamagesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTaxReceivableAgreement" name="IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitTaxReceivableAgreement" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_InsuranceReservePolicyPolicyTextBlock" name="InsuranceReservePolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_IntangibleLiabilitiesNoncurrent" name="IntangibleLiabilitiesNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_JaniceP.HandlersBrymanandMichaelD.Brymanv.ElPolloLocoIncMember" name="JaniceP.HandlersBrymanandMichaelD.Brymanv.ElPolloLocoIncMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_LargestSupplierOneMember" name="LargestSupplierOneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_LiquidityPolicyPolicyTextBlock" name="LiquidityPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_LosAngelesMember" name="LosAngelesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_LostOpportunityDamagesMember" name="LostOpportunityDamagesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_LoyaltyRewardsProgramExpectedLoyaltyPointsRedemptionPeriod" name="LoyaltyRewardsProgramExpectedLoyaltyPointsRedemptionPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements" name="NumberOfEmploymentAgreements" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberOfLawsuits" name="NumberOfLawsuits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberOfLeases" name="NumberOfLeases" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberOfRestaurantClosed" name="NumberOfRestaurantClosed" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsDamagedByFire" name="NumberOfRestaurantsDamagedByFire" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberOfRevenueStreams" name="NumberOfRevenueStreams" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberofCommitmentstoOpenFranchisedRestaurants" name="NumberofCommitmentstoOpenFranchisedRestaurants" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberofRestaurantsThatFailedImpairmentTesting" name="NumberofRestaurantsThatFailedImpairmentTesting" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_OperatingDataAbstract" name="OperatingDataAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsThereafter" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsThereafter" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinFiveYears" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinFiveYears" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinFourYears" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinFourYears" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinThreeYears" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinThreeYears" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinTwoYears" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinTwoYears" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_OtherEquipmentMember" name="OtherEquipmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_OtherthanLosAngelesMember" name="OtherthanLosAngelesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent" name="PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent" name="PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_PaymentRelatedToTaxReceivableAgreement" name="PaymentRelatedToTaxReceivableAgreement" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_PercentageOfMembershipInterests" name="PercentageOfMembershipInterests" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_PercentageOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxSavingsPayableToPreInitialPublicOfferingStockholders" name="PercentageOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxSavingsPayableToPreInitialPublicOfferingStockholders" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_PerformanceBasedStockOptionsMember" name="PerformanceBasedStockOptionsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeAxis" name="PerformanceObligationTypeAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeDomain" name="PerformanceObligationTypeDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_PremiumOptionsMember" name="PremiumOptionsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_PromotionalAllowancesForRestaurantAndFranchiseRevenue" name="PromotionalAllowancesForRestaurantAndFranchiseRevenue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_PurchasedMember" name="PurchasedMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_RecoveryofSecuritiesClassActionLegalCosts" name="RecoveryofSecuritiesClassActionLegalCosts" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_RestaurantEquipmentMember" name="RestaurantEquipmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_SalesGrowthPercentageIncreaseDecrease" name="SalesGrowthPercentageIncreaseDecrease" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_Scenario1Member" name="Scenario1Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_Scenario2Member" name="Scenario2Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationLineItems" name="ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" name="ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansOptionsExercisePrice" name="ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansOptionsExercisePrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_SupplierOneMember" name="SupplierOneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_SupplierTwoMember" name="SupplierTwoMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_SwingLineLoansMember" name="SwingLineLoansMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_SystemWideMember" name="SystemWideMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" name="TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateDeferredTaxAssetProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateNetDeferredTaxAssetLiabilityProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" name="TaxCutsAndJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateNetDeferredTaxAssetLiabilityProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TaxCutsandJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateDeferredTaxLiabilityProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" name="TaxCutsandJobsActOf2017IncompleteAccountingChangeInTaxRateDeferredTaxLiabilityProvisionalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TaxCutsandJobsActof2017IncompleteAccountingChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxLiabilityProvisionalIncomeTaxBenefit" name="TaxCutsandJobsActof2017IncompleteAccountingChangeinTaxRateDeferredTaxLiabilityProvisionalIncomeTaxBenefit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TaxCutsandJobsActof2017IncompleteAccountingChangeinTaxRateTaxReceivableAgreementExpenseBenefit" name="TaxCutsandJobsActof2017IncompleteAccountingChangeinTaxRateTaxReceivableAgreementExpenseBenefit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementExpectedPayments" name="TaxReceivableAgreementExpectedPayments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" name="TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TermAvailableUnderPlanToDevelopAndOpenRestaurants" name="TermAvailableUnderPlanToDevelopAndOpenRestaurants" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_TimeBasedStockOptionsMember" name="TimeBasedStockOptionsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_TotalDamagesMember" name="TotalDamagesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_TrimaranPolloPartnersLLCMember" name="TrimaranPolloPartnersLLCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_WorkOpportunityTaxCreditsMember" name="WorkOpportunityTaxCreditsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>





