

<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<link:linkbase 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" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeStatement" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeStatement" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CreditAgreements" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#CreditAgreements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesLeases" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#LeasesLeases" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesLeasesDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#LeasesLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesLeasesTables" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#LeasesLeasesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LongTermDebtInterestRateSwapTables" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#LongTermDebtInterestRateSwapTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShare" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#NetIncomeLossPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShareDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#NetIncomeLossPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#NetIncomeLossPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShareTables" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#NetIncomeLossPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#OtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#RelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#RevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueSourceAndMarketDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueSourceAndMarketDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#StockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationStockCompensationTableTables" xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#StockBasedCompensationStockCompensationTableTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_5f06cb10-8b43-3baf-f240-1b99c9508c8f" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_5f06cb10-8b43-3baf-f240-1b99c9508c8f" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_c2c48170-d0ff-2c37-effc-ff5f53e30dcb" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_c2c48170-d0ff-2c37-effc-ff5f53e30dcb" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_b0e2721e-44a1-957d-5aaa-294b580a15e3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_b0e2721e-44a1-957d-5aaa-294b580a15e3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_b9dbf31e-c07f-d625-4fd4-422f899e21ee" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="4" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_b9dbf31e-c07f-d625-4fd4-422f899e21ee" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_d1997c77-9fc6-cbee-b2e4-9f642058c98e" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="5" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_d1997c77-9fc6-cbee-b2e4-9f642058c98e" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_84c97d53-d75c-0fec-d05e-498cb2460450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="6" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_84c97d53-d75c-0fec-d05e-498cb2460450" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="7" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4bcdb937-432e-7a7e-23c2-a441d7b89da5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent" xlink:label="loc_loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent_b536c4c5-101c-049a-a7c3-aa6886f29127" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="8" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:to="loc_loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementCurrent_b536c4c5-101c-049a-a7c3-aa6886f29127" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_09c9f846-159b-1776-fceb-d1cad0eb94ab" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="9" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_2dcbbde2-9146-a0ba-7f6c-c71b481e0841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_09c9f846-159b-1776-fceb-d1cad0eb94ab" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_424864af-21d0-ae34-27c6-d74dceaeebd8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_424864af-21d0-ae34-27c6-d74dceaeebd8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_d31ac4f9-acde-4aa0-e677-cbf3bd705b92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_d31ac4f9-acde-4aa0-e677-cbf3bd705b92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#loco_IntangibleLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_loco_IntangibleLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3d4fa997-08e4-0a1f-8a45-aa688711ac82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="4" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:to="loc_loco_IntangibleLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3d4fa997-08e4-0a1f-8a45-aa688711ac82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="5" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_bba08e5f-78e8-6c25-01a4-6720051135cc" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent_b84e1f5e-8b45-51bf-b471-aa688731c3cf" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="6" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:to="loc_loco_PayableUnderTaxReceivableAgreementNoncurrent_b84e1f5e-8b45-51bf-b471-aa688731c3cf" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_7e28dff2-da63-21d2-137e-ce9d56cb1b6e" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="7" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_7e28dff2-da63-21d2-137e-ce9d56cb1b6e" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_d3ba3006-9df7-8186-2eb2-dc5094562cfe" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="8" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_066608da-f041-4af6-3da0-95354b640e11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_d3ba3006-9df7-8186-2eb2-dc5094562cfe" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_f0c68f4f-7ec1-d447-8ba7-0f2766abbe67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_f0c68f4f-7ec1-d447-8ba7-0f2766abbe67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6765f135-8c69-bebc-a116-d59a52a5b2f2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_63817d40-f759-fa9c-45a5-8bbbb36ed5c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6765f135-8c69-bebc-a116-d59a52a5b2f2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_ea289a9d-deba-2cde-21e4-3d0ae7a1f011" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6765f135-8c69-bebc-a116-d59a52a5b2f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_ea289a9d-deba-2cde-21e4-3d0ae7a1f011" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_aefe3f0c-abe4-5b83-9a64-da77d8e253dd" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6765f135-8c69-bebc-a116-d59a52a5b2f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_aefe3f0c-abe4-5b83-9a64-da77d8e253dd" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_df284507-8ac7-eed1-41db-05e81b70be6d" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6765f135-8c69-bebc-a116-d59a52a5b2f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_df284507-8ac7-eed1-41db-05e81b70be6d" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_a59bc5ae-63a0-c9bc-32f7-e2bd9f32bd26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="4" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6765f135-8c69-bebc-a116-d59a52a5b2f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_a59bc5ae-63a0-c9bc-32f7-e2bd9f32bd26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_798442bf-12e1-d944-3fa1-8b797b67482e" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="5" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_6765f135-8c69-bebc-a116-d59a52a5b2f2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_798442bf-12e1-d944-3fa1-8b797b67482e" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_d79dcc1c-93de-0ecd-2bd5-7c1f224c9b98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_d79dcc1c-93de-0ecd-2bd5-7c1f224c9b98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_32f41ea9-05c6-e713-464b-586a571d1c1f" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_d79dcc1c-93de-0ecd-2bd5-7c1f224c9b98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_32f41ea9-05c6-e713-464b-586a571d1c1f" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_5212eab8-bedb-997a-101c-3c3b65fbee4f" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_d79dcc1c-93de-0ecd-2bd5-7c1f224c9b98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReceivablesNetCurrent_5212eab8-bedb-997a-101c-3c3b65fbee4f" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_66bcd79a-a1c3-c24d-b8b4-7a0ce373714b" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_d79dcc1c-93de-0ecd-2bd5-7c1f224c9b98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_66bcd79a-a1c3-c24d-b8b4-7a0ce373714b" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_ce9014ac-0ac4-6ed2-b53f-a0edc046d6b4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="4" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_d79dcc1c-93de-0ecd-2bd5-7c1f224c9b98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_ce9014ac-0ac4-6ed2-b53f-a0edc046d6b4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_f37ad080-c77a-efc5-c936-389b16abc420" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_f37ad080-c77a-efc5-c936-389b16abc420" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet_5c22c85c-4984-683d-dc8b-f97a2902b27c" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeasesBalanceSheetAssetsByMajorClassNet_5c22c85c-4984-683d-dc8b-f97a2902b27c" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_831ad0b9-9dba-3997-20e6-e99a19aa28db" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="4" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_831ad0b9-9dba-3997-20e6-e99a19aa28db" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_a2fa0c7f-dc8e-a18e-11df-7acc31624f32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="5" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_a2fa0c7f-dc8e-a18e-11df-7acc31624f32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsNet_1049a9ec-1e76-a167-8d3f-9aaf6ffd4636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="6" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsNet_1049a9ec-1e76-a167-8d3f-9aaf6ffd4636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_6544a746-9524-1b61-e235-04d48d39f116" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="7" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_6544a746-9524-1b61-e235-04d48d39f116" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_ddb0d184-2205-2a10-5b0e-faf2ccd717ae" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="8" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_ddb0d184-2205-2a10-5b0e-faf2ccd717ae" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_52f5671e-53e6-6055-795e-6bd414fd86c2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="9" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_Assets_96dd7052-744e-d270-4e77-67944ec39152" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_52f5671e-53e6-6055-795e-6bd414fd86c2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_ad8f5587-cd30-97dd-9cf0-81ed4f58516c" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_d8917e24-06dd-060d-a290-e426c7895e54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_ad8f5587-cd30-97dd-9cf0-81ed4f58516c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_d8917e24-06dd-060d-a290-e426c7895e54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_35daa78b-69b1-a085-04d1-e403e60f5923" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_d8917e24-06dd-060d-a290-e426c7895e54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_35daa78b-69b1-a085-04d1-e403e60f5923" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations_99289045-641b-e134-789c-dbf0b6bfb577" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_d8917e24-06dd-060d-a290-e426c7895e54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermCapitalLeaseObligations_99289045-641b-e134-789c-dbf0b6bfb577" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_d4a92697-d008-996b-823a-bd9a56a04b3a" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_d8917e24-06dd-060d-a290-e426c7895e54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_d4a92697-d008-996b-823a-bd9a56a04b3a" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_43305c85-41ff-3d0f-c464-dc8983363bce" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="4" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_d8917e24-06dd-060d-a290-e426c7895e54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_43305c85-41ff-3d0f-c464-dc8983363bce" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_632129be-5229-a7d0-e53b-c34bdd2c2b9a" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="5" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_d8917e24-06dd-060d-a290-e426c7895e54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_632129be-5229-a7d0-e53b-c34bdd2c2b9a" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_6ec8bc8e-bcd9-36ad-d8ae-2c2fa1dfd920" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="6" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_d8917e24-06dd-060d-a290-e426c7895e54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_6ec8bc8e-bcd9-36ad-d8ae-2c2fa1dfd920" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_8bd1a974-560d-3f84-e984-727058b1874b" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="7" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_d8917e24-06dd-060d-a290-e426c7895e54" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_8bd1a974-560d-3f84-e984-727058b1874b" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_28655e34-499f-b7bf-c54f-5de0990d0c65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_ad8f5587-cd30-97dd-9cf0-81ed4f58516c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_28655e34-499f-b7bf-c54f-5de0990d0c65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_6d89f221-3ede-36b2-fcad-4a4ce1606f6a" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_28655e34-499f-b7bf-c54f-5de0990d0c65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_6d89f221-3ede-36b2-fcad-4a4ce1606f6a" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses_7d6b637e-9be9-f4f4-5c87-bc166ca74817" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_28655e34-499f-b7bf-c54f-5de0990d0c65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses_7d6b637e-9be9-f4f4-5c87-bc166ca74817" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_ad8f5587-cd30-97dd-9cf0-81ed4f58516c" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_97b88949-d4fc-dff4-be7f-d39018557f4e" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization_97b88949-d4fc-dff4-be7f-d39018557f4e" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_90cbc3ab-f555-6407-b3b4-b2bfa84c9f18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_90cbc3ab-f555-6407-b3b4-b2bfa84c9f18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" xlink:label="loc_loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_e6438ca2-a899-9a42-67e4-aa688758fbbf" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="4" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_e6438ca2-a899-9a42-67e4-aa688758fbbf" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_38cc67a8-b48b-e28a-249d-36e4bee6bbcd" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="5" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsToBeDisposedOf_38cc67a8-b48b-e28a-249d-36e4bee6bbcd" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_d98f2ddb-80a6-3621-3b7b-a9eb2bffa58f" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="6" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_d98f2ddb-80a6-3621-3b7b-a9eb2bffa58f" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCosts_67ea87a8-7d37-4887-3b63-625eddafca56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="7" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCosts_67ea87a8-7d37-4887-3b63-625eddafca56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_b412c390-dfec-d4c8-f13e-036e3b49278c" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="8" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_b412c390-dfec-d4c8-f13e-036e3b49278c" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases_3c0792c7-1a37-114f-0539-d4ca1d1ed0e8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="9" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfAboveAndBelowMarketLeases_3c0792c7-1a37-114f-0539-d4ca1d1ed0e8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_e8a9abf2-38d3-77d1-fb6b-693fef632294" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="10" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_e8a9abf2-38d3-77d1-fb6b-693fef632294" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_9fda936a-2bfa-73e9-848b-446869ea1c58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="11" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_9fda936a-2bfa-73e9-848b-446869ea1c58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_334f1d33-7cae-7fd2-9d83-bb387fc2f3dd" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="12" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_334f1d33-7cae-7fd2-9d83-bb387fc2f3dd" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_0e4168a9-901d-abb5-15c0-3622e9e2c070" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="13" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_0e4168a9-901d-abb5-15c0-3622e9e2c070" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_d54a644c-3d3c-bcc1-da30-2f136651f90f" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="14" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_d54a644c-3d3c-bcc1-da30-2f136651f90f" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_0a39d2ee-656d-ead5-a676-41794b4da8f4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="15" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_0a39d2ee-656d-ead5-a676-41794b4da8f4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities_bb8c0c41-60b6-6ad9-c835-6a671aae07c5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="16" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities_bb8c0c41-60b6-6ad9-c835-6a671aae07c5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities_2d72cf1c-eb7c-b08d-69c4-38377c747086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="17" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInsuranceLiabilities_2d72cf1c-eb7c-b08d-69c4-38377c747086" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_e0ab81ac-7e70-3cd1-2466-a5ab970f6e82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="18" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_e0ab81ac-7e70-3cd1-2466-a5ab970f6e82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_eff09578-f037-1eb7-c0f0-39ba77f668a1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="19" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_eff09578-f037-1eb7-c0f0-39ba77f668a1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_738aeaa1-702f-1ab2-20c0-283eab56e2ae" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="20" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_1bd0bd4e-4a6f-b052-029c-0ecb0c520251" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_738aeaa1-702f-1ab2-20c0-283eab56e2ae" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnauditedCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_4d8b6d19-6a54-06aa-2077-c10380bd20d1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_4d8b6d19-6a54-06aa-2077-c10380bd20d1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_5c890570-5904-7978-36d8-35b96dcf45ab" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_4d8b6d19-6a54-06aa-2077-c10380bd20d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_5c890570-5904-7978-36d8-35b96dcf45ab" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_5c890570-5904-7978-36d8-35b96dcf45ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses" xlink:label="loc_loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_fa1ea820-57cd-5b32-9a34-aa6887296cc0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:to="loc_loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_fa1ea820-57cd-5b32-9a34-aa6887296cc0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_e9c14aa4-83a3-023a-5dda-ce8b467406db" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_fa1ea820-57cd-5b32-9a34-aa6887296cc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_e9c14aa4-83a3-023a-5dda-ce8b467406db" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectLabor" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_c0667ff4-8708-3f8a-d23d-8948d86e5065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_fa1ea820-57cd-5b32-9a34-aa6887296cc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_c0667ff4-8708-3f8a-d23d-8948d86e5065" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_93000e3a-91b4-7752-a2af-ee913adc84f8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_fa1ea820-57cd-5b32-9a34-aa6887296cc0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_93000e3a-91b4-7752-a2af-ee913adc84f8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_a698662c-5d68-9b87-98fe-02485cda58f8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_a698662c-5d68-9b87-98fe-02485cda58f8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_fd00bca4-6174-c1e3-12ee-b4b46472a5f5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_fd00bca4-6174-c1e3-12ee-b4b46472a5f5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_d98f2ddb-80a6-3621-3b7b-a9eb2bffa58f" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="4" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_d98f2ddb-80a6-3621-3b7b-a9eb2bffa58f" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#loco_Recoveryofsecuritiesclassactionlegalexpense" xlink:label="loc_loco_Recoveryofsecuritiesclassactionlegalexpense_59b9499f-9c13-d6e7-2091-aa68876510c2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="5" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:to="loc_loco_Recoveryofsecuritiesclassactionlegalexpense_59b9499f-9c13-d6e7-2091-aa68876510c2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_b317792d-a730-7cb9-4152-2b63e6d301ab" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="6" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_b317792d-a730-7cb9-4152-2b63e6d301ab" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_1b571f63-90c7-8c54-8fc3-7d0175fc7e46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="7" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfBusiness_1b571f63-90c7-8c54-8fc3-7d0175fc7e46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_b11c1cb0-596b-4c3d-0283-76cef67837c7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="8" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_8823ccfd-55af-348e-39a2-91433072d2c9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_b11c1cb0-596b-4c3d-0283-76cef67837c7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_4562fc03-cbaf-a89b-d454-b9d16c5936b8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_5c890570-5904-7978-36d8-35b96dcf45ab" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_4562fc03-cbaf-a89b-d454-b9d16c5936b8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_a56b34b7-57ab-a07c-7f03-8366849a14f0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_4d8b6d19-6a54-06aa-2077-c10380bd20d1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_a56b34b7-57ab-a07c-7f03-8366849a14f0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses" xlink:label="loc_loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_e6438ca2-a899-9a42-67e4-aa688758fbbf" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_4d8b6d19-6a54-06aa-2077-c10380bd20d1" xlink:to="loc_loco_TaxReceivableAgreementIncomeExpenses_e6438ca2-a899-9a42-67e4-aa688758fbbf" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_97bbae57-7f84-4da9-acab-610e56204929" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_a10eea14-f4db-3125-d183-77bb54500e95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_97bbae57-7f84-4da9-acab-610e56204929" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOtherComprehensiveIncomeStatement" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/CreditAgreements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesLeases" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LeasesLeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LongTermDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/LongTermDebtInterestRateSwapTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomePerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C2B3EF22251D5CC6945A7E557DA144E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_D8A0F52CC6975990A14F32171D953231" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C2B3EF22251D5CC6945A7E557DA144E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_D8A0F52CC6975990A14F32171D953231" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_217634FC5F6951BB948D22AA4B69C46D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C2B3EF22251D5CC6945A7E557DA144E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_217634FC5F6951BB948D22AA4B69C46D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/NetIncomeLossPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4DB40B1041B75E5BBA4B5868A76FF31D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_5F494884718F5A519C3130DDC0865D57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4DB40B1041B75E5BBA4B5868A76FF31D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_5F494884718F5A519C3130DDC0865D57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesForUnredeeemedGiftCards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesForUnredeeemedGiftCards_A525B21F52465829887310D929044F65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4DB40B1041B75E5BBA4B5868A76FF31D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedLiabilitiesForUnredeeemedGiftCards_A525B21F52465829887310D929044F65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_39F5430BED115CFBBB4803612A8393CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4DB40B1041B75E5BBA4B5868A76FF31D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_39F5430BED115CFBBB4803612A8393CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrentAndNoncurrent_DEEA4E4085D45E188ACB6377AAE2EC48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="4" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_4DB40B1041B75E5BBA4B5868A76FF31D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrentAndNoncurrent_DEEA4E4085D45E188ACB6377AAE2EC48" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_31D223CEA7825B8D88E9E18551875CF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRentCreditNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRentCreditNoncurrent_7EF30155DCAA5422844DCD72EEC5D707" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_31D223CEA7825B8D88E9E18551875CF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRentCreditNoncurrent_7EF30155DCAA5422844DCD72EEC5D707" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_B1E44BC965315F1BAA90C684F781BB08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_31D223CEA7825B8D88E9E18551875CF6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_B1E44BC965315F1BAA90C684F781BB08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="loco-20190925.xsd#loco_ContractwithCustomernoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_loco_ContractwithCustomernoncurrent_0F84FC34224053C4A5690BD8EFB19A6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="3" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_31D223CEA7825B8D88E9E18551875CF6" xlink:to="loc_loco_ContractwithCustomernoncurrent_0F84FC34224053C4A5690BD8EFB19A6C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_311CEB2912605EC384026BA0925D5052" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_D8870A25D1C55001B21709A035C7ABE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="1" weight="1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_311CEB2912605EC384026BA0925D5052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_D8870A25D1C55001B21709A035C7ABE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2018/elts/us-gaap-2018-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_E98F37E0ECD55059A22E581ED67CC551" xlink:type="locator" />
    <link:calculationArc order="2" weight="-1" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/summation-item" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_311CEB2912605EC384026BA0925D5052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_E98F37E0ECD55059A22E581ED67CC551" xlink:type="arc" />
  </link:calculationLink>
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/PropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactions" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueSourceAndMarketDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/RevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <link:calculationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StockBasedCompensationStockCompensationTableTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</link:linkbase>




