

<!-- RRD ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.financial.rrd.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2015-11-12T23:14:21.8439232+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 2.0.12.1 -->
<!-- Package ID         : E3EF5D64EB895255FEF9D185578EB289-0001606366-001508 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2015 R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company. All Rights Reserved. -->
<linkbase xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" />
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" />
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" />
  <arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/role/TemplateLink" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_PercentageOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxSavingsPayableToPreInitialPublicOfferingStockholders" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_PercentageOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxSavingsPayableToPreInitialPublicOfferingStockholders" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_NumberOfLargestSuppliers" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfLargestSuppliers" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_NumberOfSuppliers" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfSuppliers" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_LettersOfCreditBalanceIncreaseDecrease" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_LettersOfCreditBalanceIncreaseDecrease" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_NumberOfStoreOpeningsCompleted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfStoreOpeningsCompleted" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplit" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExcessStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ExcessStockSharesAuthorized" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictionToTransferFunds" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictionToTransferFunds" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanOfReorganizationTermsOfPlan" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanOfReorganizationTermsOfPlan" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanOfReorganizationDatesPlanIsEffective" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanOfReorganizationDatesPlanIsEffective" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_PurchasedMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_PurchasedMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_LargestSupplierTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_LargestSupplierTwoMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_LargestSupplierOneMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_LargestSupplierOneMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_SupplierFourMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_SupplierFourMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_SupplierThreeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_SupplierThreeMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_SupplierTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_SupplierTwoMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_SupplierOneMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_SupplierOneMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_LosAngelesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_LosAngelesMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_FirstLienCreditAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_FirstLienCreditAgreementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IPOMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EntityOperatedUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EntityOperatedUnitsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EntityOperatedUnitsMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_IPOMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loco_FirstLienCreditAgreementMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="loco_LosAngelesMember" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_2" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:to="loco_SupplierOneMember" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:to="loco_SupplierTwoMember" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:to="loco_SupplierThreeMember" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:to="loco_SupplierFourMember" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:to="loco_LargestSupplierOneMember" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:to="loco_LargestSupplierTwoMember" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableMember" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="loco_PurchasedMember" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" order="10880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" order="10890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" order="10910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" order="10910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember" order="10930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="11180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" order="11200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="11200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefinitelivedIntangibleAssetsMember" order="11220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" order="11250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants" order="11290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanOfReorganizationDatesPlanIsEffective" order="11400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanOfReorganizationTermsOfPlan" order="11440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictionToTransferFunds" order="11510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" order="11580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" order="11640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" order="11700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" order="11880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" order="11940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ExcessStockSharesAuthorized" order="12000.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplit" order="12060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" order="12120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" order="12180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" order="12300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" order="12360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" order="12450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" order="12490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" order="12510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfStoreOpeningsCompleted" order="12580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="loco_LettersOfCreditBalanceIncreaseDecrease" order="12620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfSuppliers" order="12690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" order="12770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfLargestSuppliers" order="13170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges" order="13900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" order="14010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense" order="14130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="loco_PercentageOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxSavingsPayableToPreInitialPublicOfferingStockholders" order="14320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetail" xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#Role_DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetail">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LandMember" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#Role_DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_PremiumOptionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_PremiumOptionsMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="loco_PremiumOptionsMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCreditAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#Role_DisclosureCreditAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCreditAgreementsAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_DebtRefinancingCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_DebtRefinancingCosts" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_WriteOffOfDebtDiscount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_WriteOffOfDebtDiscount" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_SecondLienCreditAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_SecondLienCreditAgreementMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinimumMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_MarginRateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_MarginRateMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandFourteenMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandFourteenMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_SwingLineLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_SwingLineLoansMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="loco_SwingLineLoansMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandFourteenMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="loco_MarginRateMember" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember_2" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinimumMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaximumMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="loco_SecondLienCreditAgreementMember" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" order="10840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" order="10980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" order="11100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="11220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" order="11370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod" order="11850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDescriptionOfVariableRateBasis" order="12330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" order="12540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" order="12580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" order="12620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="loco_WriteOffOfDebtDiscount" order="12660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="loco_DebtRefinancingCosts" order="12730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal" order="12800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment" order="12840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumNetExposure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumNetExposure" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_LeaseExpirationYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_LeaseExpirationYear" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_NumberOfLeases" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfLeases" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_EmployeeCallOptionsAmountReducedInMenu" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_EmployeeCallOptionsAmountReducedInMenu" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyLawsuitFilingDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyLawsuitFilingDate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OfficerMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyLeaseGuaranteeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyLeaseGuaranteeMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_ChickenMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_ChickenMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_BeverageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_BeverageMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:to="loco_BeverageMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:to="loco_ChickenMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_2" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyLeaseGuaranteeMember" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OfficerMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyLawsuitFilingDate" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="loco_EmployeeCallOptionsAmountReducedInMenu" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfLeases" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="loco_LeaseExpirationYear" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="loco_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumNetExposure" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements" order="10870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#Role_DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/20150930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetail">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_RelatedPartyTransactionAnnualManagementFeeAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_RelatedPartyTransactionAnnualManagementFeeAmount" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDate" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_PercentageOfMembershipInterests" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_PercentageOfMembershipInterests" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDescription" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDescription" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_TrimaranFundManagementLlcMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_TrimaranFundManagementLlcMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinimumMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="loco-20150930.xsd#loco_TrimaranPolloPartnersLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="loco_TrimaranPolloPartnersLLCMember" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="loco_TrimaranPolloPartnersLLCMember" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeAxis" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RangeMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinimumMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="loco_TrimaranFundManagementLlcMember" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDescription" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="loco_PercentageOfMembershipInterests" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDate" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="loco_RelatedPartyTransactionAnnualManagementFeeAmount" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </definitionLink>
</linkbase>





