<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  10.4.0.13 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 11/3/2023 7:04:52 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 11/3/2023 7:04:52 PM-->
<xsd:schema xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:srt-types="http://fasb.org/srt-types/2023" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:us-types="http://fasb.org/us-types/2023" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" targetNamespace="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20230927" attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31" xmlns:enum2="http://xbrl.org/2020/extensible-enumerations-2.0" xmlns:currency="http://xbrl.sec.gov/currency/2023" xmlns:us-roles="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2023" xmlns:ref="http://www.xbrl.org/2006/ref" xmlns:xl="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/XLink" xmlns:sic="http://xbrl.sec.gov/sic/2023" xmlns:srt-roles="http://fasb.org/srt-roles/2023" xmlns:stpr="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2023" xmlns:utr="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/utr" xmlns:us-gaap="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023" xmlns:exch="http://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2023" xmlns:naics="http://xbrl.sec.gov/naics/2023" xmlns:country="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2023" xmlns:negated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negated" xmlns:attributeFormDefault="unqualified" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:srt="http://fasb.org/srt/2023" xmlns:deprecated="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/deprecated" xmlns:net="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/net" xmlns:dei="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023" xmlns:loco="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20230927" xmlns:dtr="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/dtr" xmlns:xbrldi="http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi" xmlns:ecd="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023" xmlns:ecd-sub="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd-sub/2023">
  <xsd:annotation>
    <xsd:appinfo>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults" id="DisclosureStandardAndCustomAxisDomainDefaults">
        <link:definition>99900 - Disclosure - Standard And Custom Axis Domain Defaults</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>00100 - Statement - CONDENSED 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome">
        <link:definition>00200 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>00300 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows">
        <link:definition>00500 - Statement - CONDENSED 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" id="DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails">
        <link:definition>40201 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail" id="DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail">
        <link:definition>40501 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail" id="DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail">
        <link:definition>40601 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" id="DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails">
        <link:definition>40802 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLeaseCostDetails" id="DisclosureLeasesLeaseCostDetails">
        <link:definition>41102 - Disclosure - LEASES - Lease Cost (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" id="DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails">
        <link:definition>41104 - Disclosure - LEASES - Minimum Future Lease 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetailsCalc" id="DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetailsCalc">
        <link:definition>41105 - Disclosure - Leases - Minimum Future Lease Obligations (Details)(Calc)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" id="DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation">
        <link:definition>00090 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity">
        <link:definition>00400 - Statement - CONDENSED 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables">
        <link:definition>31003 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" id="DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>40101 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesFairValueMeasurementsDetails" id="DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesFairValueMeasurementsDetails">
        <link:definition>40102 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" id="DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>40202 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" id="DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>40301 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails" id="DisclosureStockBasedCompensationWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>40303 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Weighted Average Assumptions (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationStockRepurchasePlanDetails" id="DisclosureStockBasedCompensationStockRepurchasePlanDetails">
        <link:definition>40305 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Repurchase Plan (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails" id="DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails">
        <link:definition>40401 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtInterestRateSwapDetails" id="DisclosureLongTermDebtInterestRateSwapDetails">
        <link:definition>40402 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT - Interest Rate Swap (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" id="DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>40701 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails" id="DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsDetails">
        <link:definition>40901 - Disclosure - Related Party Transactions (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>41001 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueSourceAndMarketDetails" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueSourceAndMarketDetails">
        <link:definition>41002 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails">
        <link:definition>41003 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>41004 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails">
        <link:definition>41005 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDefaultDetails" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDefaultDetails">
        <link:definition>41005 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Unsatisfied Performance Obligation Default (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersLoyaltyRewardLiabilityAndGiftCardLiabilityDetails" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersLoyaltyRewardLiabilityAndGiftCardLiabilityDetails">
        <link:definition>41006 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Loyalty Reward Liability and Gift Card Liability (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersLoyaltyRewardLiabilityAndGiftCardLiabilityDefaultDetails" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersLoyaltyRewardLiabilityAndGiftCardLiabilityDefaultDetails">
        <link:definition>41006 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Loyalty Reward Liability and Gift Card Liability Default (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesDetails" id="DisclosureLeasesDetails">
        <link:definition>41101 - Disclosure - LEASES (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesCashAndNonCashLeaseActivitiesDetails" id="DisclosureLeasesCashAndNonCashLeaseActivitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>41103 - Disclosure - LEASES - Cash and Non-cash Lease Activities (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLessorDetails" id="DisclosureLeasesLessorDetails">
        <link:definition>41105 - Disclosure - LEASES - Lessor (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureShareholderRightsAgreementDetails" id="DisclosureShareholderRightsAgreementDetails">
        <link:definition>41201 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AGREEMENT (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" id="StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>00105 - Statement - CONDENSED 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" id="DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>10101 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment" id="DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment">
        <link:definition>10201 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation" id="DisclosureStockBasedCompensation">
        <link:definition>10301 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebt" id="DisclosureLongTermDebt">
        <link:definition>10401 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" id="DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities">
        <link:definition>10501 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" id="DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilities">
        <link:definition>10601 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" id="DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies">
        <link:definition>10701 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare" id="DisclosureEarningsPerShare">
        <link:definition>10801 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" id="DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions">
        <link:definition>10901 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" id="DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomers">
        <link:definition>11001 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeases" id="DisclosureLeases">
        <link:definition>11101 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureShareholderRightsAgreement" id="DisclosureShareholderRightsAgreement">
        <link:definition>11201 - Disclosure - SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS AGREEMENT</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" id="DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>20102 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" id="DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
        <link:definition>30103 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables" id="DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables">
        <link:definition>30203 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" id="DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables">
        <link:definition>30303 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtTables" id="DisclosureLongTermDebtTables">
        <link:definition>30403 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT (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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" id="DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>30503 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" id="DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>30603 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" id="DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables">
        <link:definition>30803 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" id="DisclosureLeasesTables">
        <link:definition>31103 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationChangesInStockOptionsDetails" id="DisclosureStockBasedCompensationChangesInStockOptionsDetails">
        <link:definition>40302 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedSharesDetails" id="DisclosureStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedSharesDetails">
        <link:definition>40304 - 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 roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShareDetails" id="DisclosureEarningsPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>40801 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income 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:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20230927_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20230927_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20230927_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
      <link:linkbaseRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20230927_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" />
    </xsd:appinfo>
  </xsd:annotation>
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023/ecd-2023.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-roles/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-roles-2023.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/2009/role/negated" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/lrr/role/negated-2009-12-16.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31/types.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2023/stpr-2023.xsd" />
  <xsd:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd-sub/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023/ecd-sub-2023.xsd" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgramLiabilityCurrent" name="AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgramLiabilityCurrent" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" id="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" id="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" id="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ChickenMember" id="loco_ChickenMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="CompanyRestaurantExpenses" id="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="CreditAgreementTwoThousandEighteenMember" id="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandEighteenMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="DebtInstrumentCovenantDescriptionMaximumLeverageRatio" id="loco_DebtInstrumentCovenantDescriptionMaximumLeverageRatio" type="xbrli:pureItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualPaymentForOtherRestrictedPayments" id="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualPaymentForOtherRestrictedPayments" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRedemptionRepurchaseAcquiredEquityInterests" id="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRedemptionRepurchaseAcquiredEquityInterests" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees" id="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="EquipmentLeaseMember" id="loco_EquipmentLeaseMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLifeRenewalPeriod" id="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLifeRenewalPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="FranchiseAdvertisingFeeMember" id="loco_FranchiseAdvertisingFeeMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="GuaranteeObligationsMaximumNetExposure" id="loco_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumNetExposure" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="HardwareServicesMember" id="loco_HardwareServicesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="LargestSupplierOneMember" id="loco_LargestSupplierOneMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="LeaseNotYetCommencedMember" id="loco_LeaseNotYetCommencedMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="LiquidityPolicyPolicyTextBlock" id="loco_LiquidityPolicyPolicyTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="LosAngelesMember" id="loco_LosAngelesMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="LoyaltyRewardsProgramExpectedLoyaltyPointsRedemptionPeriod" id="loco_LoyaltyRewardsProgramExpectedLoyaltyPointsRedemptionPeriod" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfEmploymentAgreements" id="loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfFinanceLeases" id="loco_NumberOfFinanceLeases" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfLeases" id="loco_NumberOfLeases" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfRevenueStreams" id="loco_NumberOfRevenueStreams" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfSuppliers" id="loco_NumberOfSuppliers" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths" id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent" id="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent" id="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element name="PercentageOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxSavingsPayableToPreInitialPublicOfferingStockholders" id="loco_PercentageOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxSavingsPayableToPreInitialPublicOfferingStockholders" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PerformanceObligationTypeAxis" id="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeAxis" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PerformanceObligationTypeDomain" id="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeDomain" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PremiumOptionsMember" id="loco_PremiumOptionsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PropertyLeaseMember" id="loco_PropertyLeaseMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="PurchasedMember" id="loco_PurchasedMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod" nillable="true" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" id="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SupplierOneMember" id="loco_SupplierOneMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element name="SwingLineLoansMember" id="loco_SwingLineLoansMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" name="TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="LeaseExpirationYear" id="loco_LeaseExpirationYear" type="xbrli:gYearItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_LoyaltyRewardsProgramExpirationPeriodForInactivity" name="LoyaltyRewardsProgramExpirationPeriodForInactivity" nillable="true" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognizedPeriod" name="ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognizedPeriod" nillable="true" type="xbrli:durationItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_LeaseDisclosureTextBlock" name="LeaseDisclosureTextBlock" nillable="true" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_LesseeImputedInterestRate" name="LesseeImputedInterestRate" nillable="true" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear" name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_StockRepurchaseAccruedNotPaid" name="StockRepurchaseAccruedNotPaid" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_RightOfUseAssetDeRecognitionTerminationImpairmentOrModifications" name="RightOfUseAssetDeRecognitionTerminationImpairmentOrModifications" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_DispositionOfRestaurantsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" name="DispositionOfRestaurantsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_HedgedDebtInstrumentMember" name="HedgedDebtInstrumentMember" nillable="true" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsResultingInImpairment" name="NumberOfRestaurantsResultingInImpairment" nillable="true" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_GainOnRecoveryOfInsuranceProceedsPolicyTextBlock" name="GainOnRecoveryOfInsuranceProceedsPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_LoyaltyRewardProgramMember" name="LoyaltyRewardProgramMember" nillable="true" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_GiftCardLiabilityMember" name="GiftCardLiabilityMember" nillable="true" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TotalRevenueRecognizedFromBothBeginningBalanceAndCurrentPeriodIncreaseInContractLiability" name="TotalRevenueRecognizedFromBothBeginningBalanceAndCurrentPeriodIncreaseInContractLiability" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions" nillable="true" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_FacilityLeasesMember" name="FacilityLeasesMember" nillable="true" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" abstract="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithCarryingValueOfRouAssetsWithImpairmentCharges" name="NumberOfRestaurantsWithCarryingValueOfRouAssetsWithImpairmentCharges" nillable="true" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsSold" name="NumberOfRestaurantsSold" nillable="true" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_PropertyEquipmentAndCertainRouAssetsImpairment" name="PropertyEquipmentAndCertainRouAssetsImpairment" nillable="true" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="ClosedStoresMember" id="loco_ClosedStoresMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAddition" id="loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAddition" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualPaymentForStockOptionPlanEmploymentAgreementsAndIncentivePlans" id="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualPaymentForStockOptionPlanEmploymentAgreementsAndIncentivePlans" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRepurchaseOrRedemptionOfQualifiedEntityInterest" id="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRepurchaseOrRedemptionOfQualifiedEntityInterest" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFeeCurrent" id="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFeeCurrent" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="DepreciationAndAmortizationsMember" id="loco_DepreciationAndAmortizationsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfRestaurantWithLeaseModification" id="loco_NumberOfRestaurantWithLeaseModification" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinFourYears" id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinFourYears" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinTwoYears" id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinTwoYears" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinThreeYears" id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinThreeYears" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="OtherThanLosAngeles1Member" id="loco_OtherThanLosAngeles1Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="PropertyLeaseModificationsMember" id="loco_PropertyLeaseModificationsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationInPeriodValue" id="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationInPeriodValue" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgram" id="loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgram" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="CreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" id="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetsImpactOfOriginalLeaseClassification" id="loco_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetsImpactOfOriginalLeaseClassification" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="PropertiesImpactedOnOriginalLeaseClassification" id="loco_PropertiesImpactedOnOriginalLeaseClassification" type="xbrli:integerItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract" id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingVestedNumberOfShares" id="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingVestedNumberOfShares" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="StockRepurchasePlan2022Member" id="loco_StockRepurchasePlan2022Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="OneMonthSecuredOvernightFinancingRateOvernightIndexSwapRateMember" id="loco_OneMonthSecuredOvernightFinancingRateOvernightIndexSwapRateMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="CreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoAndTwoThousandEighteenMember" id="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoAndTwoThousandEighteenMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" id="loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" id="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAfterYearFour" id="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAfterYearFour" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="GainOnRecoveryOfInsuranceProceedsForPropertyAndEquipment" id="loco_GainOnRecoveryOfInsuranceProceedsForPropertyAndEquipment" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="credit" />
  <xsd:element name="AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalExerciseTaxOnRepurchaseOfCommonStock" id="loco_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalExerciseTaxOnRepurchaseOfCommonStock" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="BusinessInterruptionInsuranceCost" id="loco_BusinessInterruptionInsuranceCost" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementNetInvestingActivities" id="loco_ProceedsFromInsuranceSettlementNetInvestingActivities" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="StockRepurchaseAgreement2023Member" id="loco_StockRepurchaseAgreement2023Member" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="ImpairmentOfRightOfUseAssets" id="loco_ImpairmentOfRightOfUseAssets" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="RightOfUseAssetsNet" id="loco_RightOfUseAssetsNet" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" xbrli:balance="debit" />
  <xsd:element name="PreferredSharePurchaseRightsMember" id="loco_PreferredSharePurchaseRightsMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="RightsAgreementDividendsPerCommonStock" id="loco_RightsAgreementDividendsPerCommonStock" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="RightsExercisableForCommonStockExercisePriceMultiplier" id="loco_RightsExercisableForCommonStockExercisePriceMultiplier" type="xbrli:pureItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRightExchangeRatio" id="loco_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRightExchangeRatio" type="xbrli:pureItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="PercentageOfConsolidatedAssetsEarningPowerSaleConsideredForFlipOverEvent" id="loco_PercentageOfConsolidatedAssetsEarningPowerSaleConsideredForFlipOverEvent" type="dtr-types:percentItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="RightsRedemptionPrice" id="loco_RightsRedemptionPrice" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="ShareholderRightsAgreementDisclosureAbstract" id="loco_ShareholderRightsAgreementDisclosureAbstract" type="xbrli:stringItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="ShareholderRightsAgreementDisclosureTextBlock" id="loco_ShareholderRightsAgreementDisclosureTextBlock" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="NumberOfPreferredStockSharesDesignated" id="loco_NumberOfPreferredStockSharesDesignated" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" abstract="false" />
  <xsd:element name="FsEquityPartnersVL.p.AndFsAffiliatesVL.pMember" id="loco_FsEquityPartnersVL.p.AndFsAffiliatesVL.pMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
  <xsd:element name="RightsToPurchaseSeriesPreferredStockMember" id="loco_RightsToPurchaseSeriesPreferredStockMember" type="dtr-types:domainItemType" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" abstract="true" />
</xsd:schema>
