<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  9.6.7401.38943 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 7/31/2020 7:16:28 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 7/31/2020 7:16:28 PM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeUnaudited" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureNetIncomePerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureLeasesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetailsCalc2" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetailsCalc2" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebt" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebtTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerShare" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureNetIncomePerShare" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureNetIncomePerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShareDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureNetIncomePerShareTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureLeases" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureLeasesLeasesTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactions" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueSourceAndMarketDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueSourceAndMarketDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensation" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" />
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00100 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637318197855937302" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637318197855937302" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637318197855937302" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637318197855937302" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_637318197855937302" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637318197855937302" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_637318197855947308" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryNet_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637318197855937302" xlink:to="us-gaap_InventoryNet_637318197855947308" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637318197855937302" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_637318197855947308" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_637318197855937302" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_637318197855947308" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637318197855947308" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_637318197855947308" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill_637318197855947308" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_637318197855947308" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_637318197855947308" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637318197855947308" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_637318197855947308" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities_637318197855957289" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_637318197855957289" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_637318197855957289" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_637318197855957289" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_637318197855957289" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent" xlink:label="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" xlink:to="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent_637318197855957289" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637318197855957289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637318197855957289" order="8" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637318197855967289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637318197855967289" order="9" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637318197855967289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637318197855967289" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_637318197855967289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_637318197855967289" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_637318197855967289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_637318197855967289" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent" xlink:label="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent_637318197855967289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637318197855957289" xlink:to="loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent_637318197855967289" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637318197855967289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637318197855967289" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637318197855967289" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_Liabilities_637318197855957289" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637318197855967289" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_637318197855977286" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_637318197855977286" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637318197855977286" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637318197855977286" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637318197855977286" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637318197855977286" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_637318197855977286" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637318197855977286" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637318197855977286" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_637318197855977286" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_637318197855977286" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637318197855977286" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_637318197855977286" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637318197855977286" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637318197855977286" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_637318197855977286" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_637318197855977286" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_637318197855977286" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_637318197855977286" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00200 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637318197855987282" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637318197855987282" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_637318197855987282" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses" xlink:label="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637318197855987282" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_637318197855987282" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectLabor" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_637318197855987282" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_637318197855987282" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_637318197855987282" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_637318197855987282" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_637318197855987282" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637318197855997295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637318197855997295" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_637318197855997295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_637318197855997295" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_RecoveryofSecuritiesClassActionLegalCosts" xlink:label="loco_RecoveryofSecuritiesClassActionLegalCosts_637318197855997295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="loco_RecoveryofSecuritiesClassActionLegalCosts_637318197855997295" order="6" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_637318197855997295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_637318197855997295" order="7" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_637318197855997295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_637318197855997295" order="8" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637318197855997295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637318197855987282" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense_637318197855997295" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" xlink:label="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_637318197855997295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_637318197855987282" xlink:to="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_637318197855997295" order="3" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637318197855997295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637318197855997295" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00300 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637318197855997295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637318197855997295" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637318197856147296" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossBeforeReclassificationAndTax_637318197856147296" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationBeforeTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationBeforeTax_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationBeforeTax_637318197856147296" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationTax_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationAndTax_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossAfterReclassificationTax_637318197856147296" order="3" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="00500 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_637318197856147296" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_637318197856147296" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges_637318197856147296" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_637318197856147296" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" xlink:label="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_637318197856147296" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_637318197856147296" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCosts_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCosts_637318197856157304" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_637318197856157304" order="7" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases_637318197856157304" order="8" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_637318197856157304" order="9" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_637318197856157304" order="10" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_637318197856157304" order="11" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_637318197856157304" order="12" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_637318197856157304" order="13" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_637318197856157304" order="14" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_637318197856157304" order="15" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities_637318197856157304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities_637318197856157304" order="16" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities_637318197856167298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities_637318197856167298" order="17" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_637318197856167298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_637318197856167298" order="18" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_637318197856167298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_637318197856167298" order="19" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_637318197856167298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_637318197856147296" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_637318197856167298" order="20" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637318197856167298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637318197856167298" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses_637318197856167298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637318197856167298" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses_637318197856167298" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_637318197856167298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_637318197856167298" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_637318197856167298" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637318197856167298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637318197856167298" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSecuredLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSecuredLinesOfCredit_637318197856177298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637318197856167298" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSecuredLinesOfCredit_637318197856177298" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_637318197856177298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637318197856167298" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_637318197856177298" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_637318197856177298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637318197856167298" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_637318197856177298" order="3" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637318197856177298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637318197856167298" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_637318197856177298" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_637318197856177298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637318197856167298" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_637318197856177298" order="5" use="optional" weight="-1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_637318197856177298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_637318197856167298" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_637318197856177298" order="6" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40201 - Disclosure - Property and Equipment - Schedule of Costs and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization of Major Classes of Property (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637318197856177298" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637318197856177298" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637318197856187295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_637318197856187295" order="2" use="optional" weight="-1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40501 - Disclosure - Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities - Schedule of Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities (Detail)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_637318197856187295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_637318197856187295" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrentAndNoncurrent_637318197856187295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrentAndNoncurrent_637318197856187295" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_637318197856187295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_637318197856187295" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_DeferredLeasePaymentsCurrent" xlink:label="loco_DeferredLeasePaymentsCurrent_637318197856187295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="loco_DeferredLeasePaymentsCurrent_637318197856187295" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637318197856187295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_637318197856187295" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_DeferredFranchiseandDevelopmentFeescurrent" xlink:label="loco_DeferredFranchiseandDevelopmentFeescurrent_637318197856187295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:to="loco_DeferredFranchiseandDevelopmentFeescurrent_637318197856187295" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40601 - Disclosure - Other Noncurrent Liabilities - Schedule of Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Detail)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees" xlink:label="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees_637318197856187295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:to="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees_637318197856187295" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_DeferredLeasePaymentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loco_DeferredLeasePaymentsNoncurrent_637318197856187295" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:to="loco_DeferredLeasePaymentsNoncurrent_637318197856187295" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_637318197856197304" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_637318197856197304" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="40803 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share - Schedule of Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Share Counts (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_9EEB2DD1D64F566D9055B188C23574A9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_9EEB2DD1D64F566D9055B188C23574A9" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_637318197856197304" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_9EEB2DD1D64F566D9055B188C23574A9" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_637318197856197304" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41101 - Disclosure - Leases (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseCost" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_637318197856197304" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseCost_637318197856197304" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_637318197856197304" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubleaseIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_637318197856197304" order="4" use="optional" weight="-1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_637318197856197304" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_637318197856197304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_637318197856197304" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41102 - Disclosure - Leases - Minimum Future Lease Obligations (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637318197856207305" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637318197856207305" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637318197856207305" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637318197856207305" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637318197856207305" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637318197856207305" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637318197856207305" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637318197856207305" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637318197856207305" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637318197856207305" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637318197856207305" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637318197856207305" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:label="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637318197856207305" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637318197856207305" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637318197856207305" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637318197856207305" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths_637318197856207305" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths_637318197856207305" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinFourYears" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinFourYears_637318197856217304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinFourYears_637318197856217304" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinThreeYears" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinThreeYears_637318197856217304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinThreeYears_637318197856217304" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinTwoYears" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinTwoYears_637318197856217304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalswithinTwoYears_637318197856217304" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20200624.xsd#loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637318197856217304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFiveAndAfterYearFive_637318197856217304" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637318197856217304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_637318197856217304" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637318197856217304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_637318197856217304" order="3" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637318197856217304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_637318197856217304" order="4" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637318197856217304" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_637318197856217304" order="5" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637318197856227302" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_637318197856227302" order="6" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
  <calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetailsCalc2" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="41103 - Disclosure - Leases - Minimum Future Lease Obligations (Details) (Calc 2)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637318197856227302" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637318197856227302" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_637318197856227302" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_637318197856227302" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637318197856227302" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_637318197856227302" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637318197856227302" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637318197856227302" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_637318197856227302" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637318197856227302" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637318197856227302" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_637318197856227302" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637318197856227302" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637318197856227302" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637318197856237327" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637318197856227302" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_637318197856237327" order="1" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637318197856237327" />
    <calculationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_637318197856227302" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_637318197856237327" order="2" use="optional" weight="1" priority="2" />
  </calculationLink>
</link:linkbase>
