

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<xsd:schema attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20190626" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:loco="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20190626" xmlns:nonnum="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/non-numeric" xmlns:num="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/numeric" 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-20190626_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-20190626_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-20190626_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-20190626_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple" />
      <link:roleType id="BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>2101100 - 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 id="BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2401403 - 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 id="BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>2201201 - 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 id="BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables">
        <link:definition>2301302 - 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 id="CommitmentsAndContingencies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies">
        <link:definition>2107100 - 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>2407401 - 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="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>1001000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (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="CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical">
        <link:definition>1001501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (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="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>1004000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (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="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited">
        <link:definition>1003000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (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="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited">
        <link:definition>1002000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements 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="CreditAgreements" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CreditAgreements">
        <link:definition>2104100 - Disclosure - 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="CreditAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CreditAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>2404401 - Disclosure - 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="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="LeasesLeases" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesLeases">
        <link:definition>2111100 - Disclosure - Leases 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="LeasesLeasesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesLeasesDetails">
        <link:definition>2411402 - Disclosure - Leases 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 id="LeasesLeasesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesLeasesTables">
        <link:definition>2311301 - Disclosure - Leases 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="NetIncomeLossPerShare" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShare">
        <link:definition>2108100 - Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) 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="NetIncomeLossPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>2408402 - Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) 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:roleType id="NetIncomeLossPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails">
        <link:definition>2408403 - Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) 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="NetIncomeLossPerShareTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShareTables">
        <link:definition>2308301 - Disclosure - Net Income (Loss) 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="OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities">
        <link:definition>2105100 - 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="OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2405402 - Disclosure - Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities  - Schedule of Other Accrued Expenses and Current 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="OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>2305301 - 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>2106100 - 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="OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>2406402 - Disclosure - Other Noncurrent Liabilities  - Schedule of Other Noncurrent 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="OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>2306301 - 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>2102100 - 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>2402403 - 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>2402402 - 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>2302301 - 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="RelatedPartyTransactions" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions">
        <link:definition>2109100 - 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>2409401 - 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>2110100 - 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>2410402 - 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>2410405 - 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>2410404 - 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>2410403 - 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>2310301 - 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>2410406 - 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>2103100 - 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>2403402 - 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="StockBasedCompensationStockCompensationTableTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationStockCompensationTableTables">
        <link:definition>2303301 - Disclosure - Stock-Based Compensation Stock Compensation Table (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_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgramLiabilityCurrent" name="AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgramLiabilityCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <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 abstract="true" id="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" name="ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" 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_ClosedstoreMember" name="ClosedstoreMember" 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_CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityUnauditedAbstract" name="CondensedConsolidatedStatementsofChangesinStockholdersEquityUnauditedAbstract" 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 id="loco_ContractwithCustomernoncurrent" name="ContractwithCustomernoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <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_DanielTurocyetal.andRonHustonetalv.ElPolloLocoHoldingsInc.etalMember" name="DanielTurocyetal.andRonHustonetalv.ElPolloLocoHoldingsInc.etalMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_DepreciationandamortizationMember" name="DepreciationandamortizationMember" 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_EmploymentAgreementExpense" name="EmploymentAgreementExpense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_EquipmentLeaseMember" name="EquipmentLeaseMember" 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 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 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_IntangibleLiabilitiesNoncurrent" name="IntangibleLiabilitiesNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_LargestSupplierOneMember" name="LargestSupplierOneMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_LeaseExpirationYear" name="LeaseExpirationYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:gYearItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_LeaseNotYetCommencedMember" name="LeaseNotYetCommencedMember" 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_NumberOfSuppliers" name="NumberOfSuppliers" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberofRestaurantsClosed" name="NumberofRestaurantsClosed" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_NumberofRestaurantswithleasemodification" name="NumberofRestaurantswithleasemodification" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" 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_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_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_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 abstract="true" id="loco_PropertyLeaseMember" name="PropertyLeaseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_PropertyleasemodificationMember" name="PropertyleasemodificationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" 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_Recoveryofsecuritiesclassactionlegalexpense" name="Recoveryofsecuritiesclassactionlegalexpense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" 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_StockRepurchaseAccruednotPaid" name="StockRepurchaseAccruednotPaid" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="loco_StockbasedcompensationAbstract" name="StockbasedcompensationAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" 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_SwingLineLoansMember" name="SwingLineLoansMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" name="TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" 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:schema>