

<!-- RR Donnelley Xcelerate Taxonomy Definition Linkbase, based on XBRL 2.1  http://www.rrdonnelley.com/ -->
<!-- Version: 6.21.0 -->
<!-- Round: 3 -->
<!-- Creation date: 2014-09-25T19:38:40Z -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2005-2013 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">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DocumentandEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParen" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_StatementOfIncome" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncome"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_StatementOfCashFlowsDirect" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsDirect"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfProperty" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfProperty"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureCreditAgreementsAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCreditAgreementsAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilities"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureNetIncomePerShareScheduleOfEarningPerShare" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerShareScheduleOfEarningPerShare"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureNetIncomePerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShares" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShares"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#DisclosureSubsequentEventsAdditionalInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsAdditionalInformation"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureCurrentTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureCurrentTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureCurrentTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureCurrentTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureNoncurrentTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureNoncurrentTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureNoncurrentTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureNoncurrentTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock"/>
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#Role_NotesToFinancialStatementsSubsequentEventsTextBlock" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSubsequentEventsTextBlock"/>
  <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"/>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DocumentandEntityInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassified">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfFinancialPositionClassifiedParenthetical">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfIncome">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/StatementOfCashFlowsDirect">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_AnnualDividendsReceivableFromSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loco_AnnualDividendsReceivableFromSubsidiaries"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loco_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_DividendsReceivableFromSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loco_DividendsReceivableFromSubsidiaries"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EntityOperatedUnitsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EntityOperatedUnitsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_FirstLienCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loco_FirstLienCreditAgreementMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_LosAngelesMember" xlink:label="loco_LosAngelesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaximumMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_NumberOfSuppliers" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfSuppliers"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OverAllotmentOptionMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_PercentageOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxSavingsPayableToPreInitialPublicOfferingStockholders" xlink:label="loco_PercentageOfOperatingLossCarryforwardsTaxSavingsPayableToPreInitialPublicOfferingStockholders"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RangeMember_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesIssuedPricePerShare"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_SupplierOneMember" xlink:label="loco_SupplierOneMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_SupplierTwoMember" xlink:label="loco_SupplierTwoMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" 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="1.0100" 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="1.0200" 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="1.0300" 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="1.0400" 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="1.0500" 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_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized" order="1.0600" 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="1.0700" 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="1.0800" 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="1.0900" 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="1.1000" 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="1.1100" 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_RepaymentsOfDebt" order="1.1200" 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="1.1300" 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="1.1400" 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_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" order="1.1500" 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="1.1600" 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="1.1700" 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="1.1800" 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="1.1900" 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="1.2000" 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="1.2100" 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_AnnualDividendsReceivableFromSubsidiaries" order="1.2200" 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_DividendsReceivableFromSubsidiaries" order="1.2300" 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_FranchisorDisclosureAxis" order="1.0000" 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="2.0000" 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="3.0000" 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="4.0000" 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="5.0000" 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="6.0000" 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="7.0000" 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="8.0000" 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="9.0000" 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="10.0000" 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_RangeAxis" order="11.0000" 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="1.3200" 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="1.3800" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.3000" 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="1.3700" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.2800" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.2900" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.2400" 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="1.3500" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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_SubordinatedDebtMember" order="1.2600" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.3400" 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="1.2700" 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="1.3300" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.3100" 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="1.3600" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.2500" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfProperty">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" 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="1.0500" 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="1.0600" 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="1.0700" 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="1.0100" 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="1.0200" 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="1.0300" 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="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <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="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformation">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_PremiumOptionsMember" xlink:label="loco_PremiumOptionsMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedNumberOfShares"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <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="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" 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="1.0100" 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="1.0200" 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="1.0300" 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="1.0400" 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_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" order="1.0500" 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="1.0600" 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="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCreditAgreementsAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_CreditFacilityPercentageOfPeriodicPrincipalPayment" xlink:label="loco_CreditFacilityPercentageOfPeriodicPrincipalPayment"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_DebtInstrumentFloorInterestRate" xlink:label="loco_DebtInstrumentFloorInterestRate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_DebtInstrumentMaturityMonth" xlink:label="loco_DebtInstrumentMaturityMonth"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_FirstLienCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loco_FirstLienCreditAgreementMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_FirstLienTermLoanDueTwentySeventeenMember" xlink:label="loco_FirstLienTermLoanDueTwentySeventeenMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_FirstLienTermLoanMember" xlink:label="loco_FirstLienTermLoanMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityDescription" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityDescription"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_SecondLienCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loco_SecondLienCreditAgreementMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_SeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandEighteenMember" xlink:label="loco_SeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandEighteenMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubordinatedDebtMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2"/>
    <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="1.0000" 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="1.1500" 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="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" 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_LineOfCreditFacilityDescription" order="1.0100" 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_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" order="1.0200" 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_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="1.0300" 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_DebtInstrumentMaturityMonth" order="1.0400" 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="1.0500" 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_DebtInstrumentFloorInterestRate" order="1.0600" 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_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount" order="1.0700" 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_CreditFacilityPercentageOfPeriodicPrincipalPayment" order="1.0800" 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="1.0900" 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="1.1000" 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="1.1100" 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="1.1200" 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="1.1700" 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="1.0000" 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_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="2.0000" 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="3.0000" 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="4.0000" 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="1.0000" 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="loco_FirstLienTermLoanMember" order="1.1400" 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_SubordinatedDebtMember" order="1.1800" 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="1.1900" 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="loco_SeniorSecuredNotesDueTwoThousandEighteenMember" order="1.2000" 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="loco_FirstLienTermLoanDueTwentySeventeenMember" order="1.2100" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.1300" 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="1.1600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilities">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_BeverageMember" xlink:label="loco_BeverageMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_ChickenMember" xlink:label="loco_ChickenMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_ContractTerminationDate" xlink:label="loco_ContractTerminationDate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumNetExposure" xlink:label="loco_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumNetExposure"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_LeaseExpirationYear" xlink:label="loco_LeaseExpirationYear"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyLawsuitFilingDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyLawsuitFilingDate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_NumberOfContracts" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfContracts"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_NumberOfLeases" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfLeases"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OfficerMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_OfficerMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyLeaseGuaranteeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyLeaseGuaranteeMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PurchaseObligation"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_SupplierOneMember" xlink:label="loco_SupplierOneMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_SupplierTwoMember" xlink:label="loco_SupplierTwoMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_2"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.1200" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.1000" 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="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" 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="1.0100" 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="1.0200" 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_NumberOfContracts" order="1.0300" 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_ContractTerminationDate" order="1.0400" 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="1.0500" 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="1.0600" 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="1.0700" 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="1.0800" 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="1.0900" 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_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" order="1.0000" 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="2.0000" 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_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" order="3.0000" 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="4.0000" 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="1.0000" 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="1.1100" 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="1.1500" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerShareScheduleOfEarningPerShare">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNetIncomePerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShares">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRelatedPartyTransactionsAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_RelatedPartyTransactionAnnualManagementFeeAmount" xlink:label="loco_RelatedPartyTransactionAnnualManagementFeeAmount"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDate" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDate"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionSellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesFromTransactionsWithRelatedParty"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_TrimaranFundManagementLlcMember" xlink:label="loco_TrimaranFundManagementLlcMember"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:to="loco_TrimaranFundManagementLlcMember" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" 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="1.0100" 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="1.0200" 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="1.0300" 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" order="1.0000" 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_2" order="1.0000" 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_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsAdditionalInformation">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_AaPolloIncMember" xlink:label="loco_AaPolloIncMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_AgreementTerminationPeriod" xlink:label="loco_AgreementTerminationPeriod"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectorMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_DirectorMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_FranchiseDevelopmentAdditionalOptionAgreementMember" xlink:label="loco_FranchiseDevelopmentAdditionalOptionAgreementMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_FranchiseDevelopmentAgreementMember" xlink:label="loco_FranchiseDevelopmentAgreementMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_FranchiseDevelopmentInitialOptionAgreementMember" xlink:label="loco_FranchiseDevelopmentInitialOptionAgreementMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IPOMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_IPOMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_NonExecutiveEmployeesMember" xlink:label="loco_NonExecutiveEmployeesMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_NumberOfDirectors" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfDirectors"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_NumberOfRestaurantsToBeSold" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsToBeSold"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionTermsAndMannerOfSettlement" xlink:label="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionTermsAndMannerOfSettlement"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SaleOfStockNameOfTransactionDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensationGross"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_TermAvailableUnderPlanToDevelopAndOpenRestaurants" xlink:label="loco_TermAvailableUnderPlanToDevelopAndOpenRestaurants"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2014/elts/us-gaap-2014-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain"/>
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20140625.xsd#loco_TrimaranFundManagementLlcMember" xlink:label="loco_TrimaranFundManagementLlcMember"/>
    <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="1.0000" 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_AaPolloIncMember" order="1.1600" 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="1.2200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain_2" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loco_FranchiseDevelopmentAgreementMember" order="1.1700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loco_FranchiseDevelopmentInitialOptionAgreementMember" order="1.2100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionDomain" xlink:to="loco_FranchiseDevelopmentAdditionalOptionAgreementMember" order="1.2500" 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="1.0000" 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="1.1800" 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_EmployeeStockOptionMember" order="1.2000" 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="1.2300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" order="100.0000" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsToBeSold" order="1.0100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants" order="1.0200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="loco_TermAvailableUnderPlanToDevelopAndOpenRestaurants" order="1.0300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="loco_AgreementTerminationPeriod" order="1.0400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionTermsAndMannerOfSettlement" order="1.0500" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" order="1.0600" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" order="1.0700" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" order="1.0800" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" order="1.0900" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfDirectors" order="1.1000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsGranted" order="1.1100" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockGrantedDuringPeriodValueSharebasedCompensationGross" order="1.1200" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" order="1.1300" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" order="1.1400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" order="1.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" order="2.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" order="3.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAxis" order="4.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="5.0000" priority="2" use="optional"/>
    <definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsidiarySaleOfStockAxis" order="6.0000" 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="1.0000" 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="1.1500" 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="1.0000" 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="1.0000" 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="loco_NonExecutiveEmployeesMember" order="1.1900" 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_DirectorMember" order="1.2400" priority="2" use="optional"/>
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsBasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlockPolicies">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsDebtDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureCurrentTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureCurrentTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureNoncurrentTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsAccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureNoncurrentTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsCommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsEarningsPerShareTextBlockTables">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsRelatedPartyTransactionsDisclosureTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/taxonomy/role/NotesToFinancialStatementsSubsequentEventsTextBlock">
  </definitionLink>
</linkbase>





