<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<!--XBRL document created with Toppan Merrill Bridge  11.5.1.0 -->
<!--Based on XBRL 2.1-->
<!--Created on: 11/6/2026 9:56:33 PM-->
<!--Modified on: 11/6/2026 9:56:33 PM-->
<link:linkbase xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance">
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssets" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssets" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensation" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebt" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebt" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShare" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureLeases" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReporting" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReporting" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureSubsequentEvents" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingTables" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingTables" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOverviewLiquidityAndSubsequentEventsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOverviewLiquidityAndSubsequentEventsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesConcentrationOfRiskDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesConcentrationOfRiskDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNonFinancialInstrumentsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNonFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyAndEquipmentDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationChangesInStockOptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationChangesInStockOptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedSharesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedSharesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureStockBasedCompensationShareRepurchasesProgramDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationShareRepurchasesProgramDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersLoyaltyRewardLiabilityAndGiftCardLiabilityDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersLoyaltyRewardLiabilityAndGiftCardLiabilityDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesLeaseCostDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLeaseCostDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesCashAndNonCashLeaseActivitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesCashAndNonCashLeaseActivitiesDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureLeasesLessorDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLessorDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" roleURI="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2026/ecd-2026.xsd#InsiderTradingArrangements" roleURI="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/InsiderTradingArrangements" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DocumentDocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995200090 - Document - Document and Entity Information" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:label="dei_CoverAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationTable" xlink:label="dei_DocumentInformationTable_639295989920518677" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_CoverAbstract" xlink:to="dei_DocumentInformationTable_639295989920518677" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_639295989920524298" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationTable_639295989920518677" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_639295989920524298" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_639295989920524298" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_639295989920524298" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_639295989920524298" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_639295989920524298" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_639295989920524298" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_639295989920524298" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_RightsToPurchaseSeriesPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loco_RightsToPurchaseSeriesPreferredStockMember_639295989920524298" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_639295989920524298" xlink:to="loco_RightsToPurchaseSeriesPreferredStockMember_639295989920524298" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentInformationLineItems" xlink:label="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationTable_639295989920518677" xlink:to="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType_639295989920524298" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType_639295989920524298" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_639295989920529658" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport_639295989920529658" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_639295989920529826" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate_639295989920529826" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_639295989920529826" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate_639295989920529826" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport_639295989920529826" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_DocumentTransitionReport_639295989920529826" order="5" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber_639295989920529826" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityFileNumber_639295989920529826" order="6" use="optional" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName_639295989920529826" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName_639295989920529826" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_639295989920529826" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode_639295989920529826" order="8" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_639295989920529826" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber_639295989920529826" order="9" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_639295989920535453" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1_639295989920535453" order="10" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_639295989920535453" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine2_639295989920535453" order="11" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_639295989920535453" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown_639295989920535453" order="12" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_639295989920535453" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince_639295989920535453" order="13" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_639295989920535453" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode_639295989920535453" order="14" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode_639295989920535453" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_CityAreaCode_639295989920535453" order="15" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber_639295989920540606" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_LocalPhoneNumber_639295989920540606" order="16" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle_639295989920541043" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_Security12bTitle_639295989920541043" order="17" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol_639295989920541043" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_TradingSymbol_639295989920541043" order="18" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_NoTradingSymbolFlag" xlink:label="dei_NoTradingSymbolFlag_639295989920541043" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_NoTradingSymbolFlag_639295989920541043" order="19" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName_639295989920541043" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_SecurityExchangeName_639295989920541043" order="20" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_639295989920541043" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus_639295989920541043" order="21" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_639295989920546573" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent_639295989920546573" order="22" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory_639295989920546573" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory_639295989920546573" order="23" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_639295989920546573" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness_639295989920546573" order="24" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_639295989920546573" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany_639295989920546573" order="25" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany_639295989920546573" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany_639295989920546573" order="26" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_639295989920546573" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding_639295989920546573" order="27" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_639295989920552082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey_639295989920552082" order="28" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_639295989920552082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus_639295989920552082" order="29" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_639295989920552082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus_639295989920552082" order="30" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2026/dei-2026.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag_639295989920552082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="dei_DocumentInformationLineItems_639295989920524298" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag_639295989920552082" order="31" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995200100 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_6B3A5BF39C8B6C78A9CAAC04DC38E077" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_6B3A5BF39C8B6C78A9CAAC04DC38E077" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_639295989920558290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_639295989920558290" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_639295989920558290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_639295989920558290" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_639295989920558290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsAndOtherReceivablesNetCurrent_639295989920558290" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InventoryNet_639295989920558290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_InventoryNet_639295989920558290" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_639295989920558290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_639295989920558290" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_639295989920558290" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_639295989920558290" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_639295989920563997" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_639295989920563997" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_639295989920563997" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_639295989920563997" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_639295989920563997" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAsset_639295989920563997" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_639295989920563997" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_639295989920563997" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill_639295989920563997" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill_639295989920563997" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks" xlink:label="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_639295989920563997" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedTrademarks_639295989920563997" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_639295989920563997" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxAssetsNet_639295989920563997" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_639295989920569395" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_639295989920569395" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets_639295989920569728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_639295989920558290" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets_639295989920569728" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_6B3A5BF39C8B6C78A9CAAC04DC38E077" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_639295989920569728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_639295989920569728" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_639295989920569728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_639295989920569728" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_639295989920569728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_639295989920569728" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_639295989920569728" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_639295989920569728" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920575119" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920575119" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920575119" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920575119" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_639295989920575119" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_639295989920575119" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_639295989920575119" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_639295989920575119" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_639295989920575119" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_639295989920575119" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_639295989920575119" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_639295989920575119" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_639295989920575119" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_639295989920575119" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_Liabilities_639295989920575119" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_Liabilities_639295989920575119" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_639295989920582752" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_639295989920582752" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920582752" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920582752" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_639295989920582752" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920582752" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_639295989920582752" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_639295989920582752" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920582752" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockValue_639295989920582752" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_639295989920582752" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920582752" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStock_639295989920582752" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_639295989920587919" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920582752" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_639295989920587919" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_639295989920588508" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920582752" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_639295989920588508" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_639295989920588508" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_639295989920569728" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_639295989920588508" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995200105 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_639295989920588508" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_639295989920588508" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_639295989920594218" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_639295989920594218" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NumberOfPreferredStockSharesDesignated" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfPreferredStockSharesDesignated_639295989920594218" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfPreferredStockSharesDesignated_639295989920594218" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_639295989920594218" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_639295989920594218" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_639295989920594218" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_639295989920594218" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_639295989920594218" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_639295989920594218" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_639295989920594218" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_639295989920594218" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_639295989920594218" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_639295989920594218" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_639295989920594218" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_4289F4D4F63C5B63B11EB3159C7BF002" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_639295989920594218" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncome" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995200200 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_09B67647A25AF26A0E6AAE7152C3E516" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_639295989920599866" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_09B67647A25AF26A0E6AAE7152C3E516" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable_639295989920599866" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989920599866" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_639295989920599866" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989920599866" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989920599866" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989920599866" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989920599866" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServiceMember_639295989920599866" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989920599866" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServiceMember_639295989920599866" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchiseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchiseMember_639295989920599866" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989920599866" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchiseMember_639295989920599866" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_FranchiseAdvertisingFeeMember" xlink:label="loco_FranchiseAdvertisingFeeMember_639295989920599866" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989920599866" xlink:to="loco_FranchiseAdvertisingFeeMember_639295989920599866" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_639295989920599866" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_639295989920605532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_639295989920605532" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_639295989920605532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_639295989920605532" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_639295989920605532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_639295989920605532" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectLabor" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_639295989920605532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_639295989920605532" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_639295989920605532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCostAndExpenseOperating_639295989920605532" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses" xlink:label="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_639295989920605532" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="loco_CompanyRestaurantExpenses_639295989920605532" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_639295989920610722" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_639295989920610722" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_639295989920611526" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_639295989920611526" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_639295989920611526" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_639295989920611526" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_639295989920611526" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_639295989920611526" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_639295989920611526" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestructuringCostsAndAssetImpairmentCharges_639295989920611526" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_639295989920611526" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostOfGoodsAndServicesSoldAbstract_639295989920605532" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_639295989920611526" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_639295989920611526" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_639295989920611526" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating_639295989920617026" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating_639295989920617026" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_639295989920617304" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_639295989920617304" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_639295989920617304" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_639295989920617304" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_639295989920617304" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_639295989920617304" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_639295989920617304" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_639295989920617304" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_639295989920617304" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_639295989920617304" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_639295989920617304" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_639295989920622538" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_639295989920617304" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_639295989920622538" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989920623171" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920605016" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989920623171" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_639295989920623171" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989920623171" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_639295989920623171" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_639295989920623171" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989920623171" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_639295989920623171" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfChangesInStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995200300 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_D2ECFC311E9B9824EA7AAC83E74D8430" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable_639295989920628766" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfStockholdersEquityAbstract_D2ECFC311E9B9824EA7AAC83E74D8430" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable_639295989920628766" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_639295989920629004" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_639295989920628766" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_639295989920629004" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_639295989920629004" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember_639295989920629004" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_639295989920629004" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_639295989920629004" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_639295989920629004" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_639295989920629004" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_639295989920629004" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_639295989920629004" order="4" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920629004" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable_639295989920628766" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920629004" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_639295989920629004" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_639295989920629004" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_639295989920634705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_639295989920634705" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_639295989920634705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue_639295989920634705" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_639295989920634705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_639295989920634705" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_639295989920634705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueRestrictedStockAwardGross_639295989920634705" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross_639295989920634705" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_639295989920634705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_639295989920634705" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_639295989920634705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised_639295989920634705" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_639295989920634705" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_639295989920634705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_639295989920634705" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_639295989920640259" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_639295989920634705" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesPaidForTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_639295989920640259" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_639295989920640259" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_639295989920640259" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_639295989920640259" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue_639295989920640259" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_639295989920640259" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationInPeriodValue" xlink:label="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationInPeriodValue_639295989920640259" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationInPeriodValue_639295989920640259" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod_639295989920640259" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationInPeriodValue_639295989920640259" xlink:to="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod_639295989920640259" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_639295989920645501" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_639295989920645501" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_639295989920645994" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_639295989920645994" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_639295989920645994" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_639295989920629004" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_639295989920645994" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995200400 - Statement - CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract_639295989920645994" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract_639295989920645994" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651182" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract_639295989920645994" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651182" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_639295989920651695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651182" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss_639295989920651695" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651182" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651695" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_639295989920651695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651695" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_639295989920651695" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_639295989920651695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651695" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_639295989920651695" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_639295989920651695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651695" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfOtherAssets_639295989920651695" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PropertyEquipmentAndCertainRouAssetsImpairment" xlink:label="loco_PropertyEquipmentAndCertainRouAssetsImpairment_639295989920651695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651695" xlink:to="loco_PropertyEquipmentAndCertainRouAssetsImpairment_639295989920651695" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ClosedStoreReserves" xlink:label="loco_ClosedStoreReserves_639295989920651695" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651695" xlink:to="loco_ClosedStoreReserves_639295989920651695" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_AmortizationAndWriteOffOfDebtFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loco_AmortizationAndWriteOffOfDebtFinancingCosts_639295989920656947" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651695" xlink:to="loco_AmortizationAndWriteOffOfDebtFinancingCosts_639295989920656947" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_639295989920657585" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651695" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_639295989920657585" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651182" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_639295989920657585" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_639295989920657585" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_639295989920657585" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_639295989920657585" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_639295989920657585" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets_639295989920657585" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_639295989920657585" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_639295989920657585" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseAssets" xlink:label="loco_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseAssets_639295989920662778" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" xlink:to="loco_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseAssets_639295989920662778" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_639295989920663225" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets_639295989920663225" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_639295989920663225" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_639295989920663225" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability_639295989920663225" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseLiability_639295989920663225" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_639295989920663225" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_639295989920657585" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherAccruedLiabilities_639295989920663225" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_639295989920663225" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920651182" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_639295989920663225" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920663225" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract_639295989920645994" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920663225" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_639295989920668929" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920663225" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment_639295989920668929" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_639295989920668929" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920663225" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_639295989920668929" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract_639295989920645994" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSecuredLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSecuredLinesOfCredit_639295989920668929" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSecuredLinesOfCredit_639295989920668929" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_639295989920668929" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_639295989920668929" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PaymentsProceedsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loco_PaymentsProceedsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_639295989920674194" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" xlink:to="loco_PaymentsProceedsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation_639295989920674194" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_639295989920674634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_639295989920674634" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_639295989920674634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_639295989920674634" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_639295989920674634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsOfFinancingCosts_639295989920674634" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_639295989920674634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" xlink:to="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock_639295989920674634" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_639295989920674634" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_639295989920668929" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_639295989920674634" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_639295989920680302" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract_639295989920645994" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseExcludingExchangeRateEffect_639295989920680302" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_639295989920680302" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract_639295989920645994" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_639295989920680302" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6392959899206803021" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract_639295989920645994" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents_6392959899206803021" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_639295989920680302" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingCashFlowsDirectMethodAbstract_639295989920645994" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_639295989920680302" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_639295989920680302" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_639295989920680302" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_639295989920680302" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_639295989920686002" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_639295989920680302" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_639295989920686002" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:label="us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_639295989920686002" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowElementsAbstract_639295989920680302" xlink:to="us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_639295989920686002" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995210101 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_865C28545C0256BA80A03AB9C8958984" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_639295989920691891" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_865C28545C0256BA80A03AB9C8958984" xlink:to="us-gaap_BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock_639295989920691891" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssets" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995210201 - Disclosure - PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsTextBlock_639295989920691891" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCurrentAssetsTextBlock_639295989920691891" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995210301 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_F12029709E2455B2A2E8F7FAF55DC038" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920691891" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_F12029709E2455B2A2E8F7FAF55DC038" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920691891" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995210401 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_65B676054FCF52F5AD9C84B3BBF259FA" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_639295989920697811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_65B676054FCF52F5AD9C84B3BBF259FA" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock_639295989920697811" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995210501 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_D2112732C0E254DFB47508F27EB8F46A" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920697811" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_D2112732C0E254DFB47508F27EB8F46A" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920697811" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995210601 - Disclosure - OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES AND CURRENT LIABILITIES" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_1583DF2BD0265C03B4B6593B1468F8D5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureCurrentTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureCurrentTextBlock_639295989920703675" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_1583DF2BD0265C03B4B6593B1468F8D5" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableAccruedLiabilitiesAndOtherLiabilitiesDisclosureCurrentTextBlock_639295989920703675" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995210701 - Disclosure - OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920703675" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920703675" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995210801 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1B6BD7FEC4F958288ABE1BD952D39F40" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920703675" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_1B6BD7FEC4F958288ABE1BD952D39F40" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920703675" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995210901 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_80CA173EC5DE57649673B9651281329A" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_639295989920709670" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_80CA173EC5DE57649673B9651281329A" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock_639295989920709670" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomers" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995211001 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_0FD54B86CD46507E857FF8F010C7BD40" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_639295989920709670" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_0FD54B86CD46507E857FF8F010C7BD40" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerTextBlock_639295989920709670" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeases" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995211101 - Disclosure - LEASES" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_863F0054779B595BA987930D8D9138B6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LeaseDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="loco_LeaseDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920732808" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_863F0054779B595BA987930D8D9138B6" xlink:to="loco_LeaseDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920732808" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReporting" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995211201 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920732808" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920732808" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995211301 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_639295989920738223" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsTextBlock_639295989920738223" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99920202 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_639295989920738674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock_639295989920738674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_639295989920738674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock_639295989920738674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_UseOfEstimates" xlink:label="us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_639295989920738674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_UseOfEstimates_639295989920738674" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LiquidityPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loco_LiquidityPolicyPolicyTextBlock_639295989920738674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1" xlink:to="loco_LiquidityPolicyPolicyTextBlock_639295989920738674" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_639295989920738674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskCreditRisk_639295989920738674" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NonFinancialInstrumentsPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="loco_NonFinancialInstrumentsPolicyTextBlock_639295989920744527" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1" xlink:to="loco_NonFinancialInstrumentsPolicyTextBlock_639295989920744527" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_639295989920744527" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock_639295989920744527" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_639295989920744527" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock_639295989920744527" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99930203 - Disclosure - PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920744527" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureTextBlock_639295989920744527" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99930303 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_DED32A96F8F25F8A86162CC6EB7C832B" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_639295989920750421" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_DED32A96F8F25F8A86162CC6EB7C832B" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock_639295989920750421" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99930403 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_4DCE5B191BCDFA88483AAC83E5595EEA" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_639295989920750421" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_4DCE5B191BCDFA88483AAC83E5595EEA" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationStockOptionsActivityTableTextBlock_639295989920750421" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_639295989920750421" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_4DCE5B191BCDFA88483AAC83E5595EEA" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedPaymentAwardStockOptionsValuationAssumptionsTableTextBlock_639295989920750421" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NonvestedRestrictedStockSharesActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_NonvestedRestrictedStockSharesActivityTableTextBlock_639295989920750421" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_4DCE5B191BCDFA88483AAC83E5595EEA" xlink:to="us-gaap_NonvestedRestrictedStockSharesActivityTableTextBlock_639295989920750421" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceSharesAwardUnvestedActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceSharesAwardUnvestedActivityTableTextBlock_639295989920756206" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_4DCE5B191BCDFA88483AAC83E5595EEA" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationPerformanceSharesAwardUnvestedActivityTableTextBlock_639295989920756206" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99930603 - Disclosure - OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES AND CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_026DCA6F7EA85048A9C508E1B1EE4C94" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_639295989920756206" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_026DCA6F7EA85048A9C508E1B1EE4C94" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCurrentLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_639295989920756206" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99930703 - Disclosure - OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_639295989920761615" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesTableTextBlock_639295989920761615" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99930903 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_90FDAA7909C45F13B10D28001EA810DC" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_639295989920761965" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_90FDAA7909C45F13B10D28001EA810DC" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicAndDilutedTableTextBlock_639295989920761965" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesTableTextBlock_639295989920761965" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_90FDAA7909C45F13B10D28001EA810DC" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfWeightedAverageNumberOfSharesTableTextBlock_639295989920761965" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99931003 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_0B811958FAFF518391CDEB574DC006C3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989920761965" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_0B811958FAFF518391CDEB574DC006C3" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989920761965" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989920767745" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989920761965" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989920767745" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989920767745" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989920767745" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989920767745" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServiceMember_639295989920767745" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989920767745" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServiceMember_639295989920767745" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LoyaltyRewardProgramMember" xlink:label="loco_LoyaltyRewardProgramMember_639295989920767745" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServiceMember_639295989920767745" xlink:to="loco_LoyaltyRewardProgramMember_639295989920767745" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_GiftCardLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loco_GiftCardLiabilityMember_639295989920767745" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServiceMember_639295989920767745" xlink:to="loco_GiftCardLiabilityMember_639295989920767745" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchiseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchiseMember_639295989920767745" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989920767745" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchiseMember_639295989920767745" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989920767745" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989920761965" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989920767745" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_639295989920767745" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989920767745" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTableTextBlock_639295989920767745" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndLiabilityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndLiabilityTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989920767745" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetAndLiabilityTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989920767745" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99931103 - Disclosure - LEASES (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_FD6FB5F58F143C389E73AE6CBE1FF1B6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_FD6FB5F58F143C389E73AE6CBE1FF1B6" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseCostTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_FD6FB5F58F143C389E73AE6CBE1FF1B6" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_FD6FB5F58F143C389E73AE6CBE1FF1B6" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityMaturityTableTextBlock_639295989920773547" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99931203 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_639295989920779128" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesOverviewLiquidityAndSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940101 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Overview, Liquidity and Subsequent Events (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_4" xlink:to="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_639295989920779128" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis_639295989920779128" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureAxis_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain_639295989920779128" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EntityOperatedUnitsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_EntityOperatedUnitsMember_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_EntityOperatedUnitsMember_639295989920779128" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FranchisorDisclosureDomain_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisedUnitsMember_639295989920779128" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_639295989920779128" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920779128" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920779128" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920779128" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2026/country-2026.xsd#country_PH" xlink:label="country_PH_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920779128" xlink:to="country_PH_639295989920779128" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_639295989920779128" xlink:to="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_639295989920779128" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfRestaurants_639295989920779128" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt_639295989920779128" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_639295989920779128" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesConcentrationOfRiskDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940102 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Concentration of Risk (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_639295989920779128" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_5" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_639295989920779128" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920792513" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_639295989920779128" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920792513" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920792513" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LosAngelesMember" xlink:label="loco_LosAngelesMember_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920792926" xlink:to="loco_LosAngelesMember_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_639295989920792926" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_639295989920792926" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_639295989920792926" xlink:to="us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_639295989920792926" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_639295989920792926" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis_639295989920792926" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis_639295989920792926" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LargestSupplierOneMember" xlink:label="loco_LargestSupplierOneMember_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_639295989920792926" xlink:to="loco_LargestSupplierOneMember_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_SupplierOneMember" xlink:label="loco_SupplierOneMember_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_LargestSupplierOneMember_639295989920792926" xlink:to="loco_SupplierOneMember_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_639295989920779128" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_639295989920792926" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis_639295989920792926" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_CustomerOneMember" xlink:label="loco_CustomerOneMember_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_639295989920792926" xlink:to="loco_CustomerOneMember_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_639295989920792926" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_639295989920792926" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsPayableMember_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_639295989920792926" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsPayableMember_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PurchasedMember" xlink:label="loco_PurchasedMember_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_639295989920792926" xlink:to="loco_PurchasedMember_639295989920792926" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_639295989920792926" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_639295989920792926" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_639295989920779128" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_639295989920792926" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NumberOfSuppliers" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfSuppliers_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_639295989920792926" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfSuppliers_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_639295989920792926" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_639295989920792926" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesNonFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940103 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Non-financial instruments (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_639295989920792926" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_7" xlink:to="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_639295989920792926" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920810533" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_639295989920792926" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920810533" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920810533" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920810533" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920810533" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2026/stpr-2026.xsd#stpr_NV" xlink:label="stpr_NV_639295989920810533" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920810533" xlink:to="stpr_NV_639295989920810533" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_639295989920810533" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable_639295989920792926" xlink:to="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_639295989920810533" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_639295989920810533" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_639295989920810533" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_639295989920810533" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithLongLivedAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithLongLivedAssetImpairmentCharges_639295989920810533" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_BasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_639295989920810533" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithLongLivedAssetImpairmentCharges_639295989920810533" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesIncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940104 - Disclosure - BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Income Taxes (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_9" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_639295989920810533" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_9" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_639295989920810533" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_639295989920816337" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_9" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_639295989920816337" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_639295989920816337" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract_9" xlink:to="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_639295989920816337" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940201 - Disclosure - PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidInsurance" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidInsurance_639295989920816337" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidInsurance_639295989920816337" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PrepaidServiceFees" xlink:label="loco_PrepaidServiceFees_639295989920816337" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="loco_PrepaidServiceFees_639295989920816337" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_639295989920816337" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_639295989920816337" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_639295989920816337" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredCostsCapitalizedPrepaidAndOtherAssetsDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_639295989920816337" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentScheduleOfCostsAndRelatedAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortizationOfMajorClassesOfPropertyAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940301 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Schedule of Costs and Related Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization of Major Classes of Property and Equipment (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_30EAA0BA07CA5556B331C9B4F28CE7F6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_639295989920825276" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_30EAA0BA07CA5556B331C9B4F28CE7F6" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_639295989920825276" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989920827178" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_639295989920825276" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989920827178" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989920829073" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989920827178" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989920829073" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandMember_639295989920830975" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989920829073" xlink:to="us-gaap_LandMember_639295989920830975" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_639295989920832866" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989920829073" xlink:to="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember_639295989920832866" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember_639295989920834749" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989920829073" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentOtherTypesMember_639295989920834749" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_639295989920836646" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989920829073" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember_639295989920836646" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920837635" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_639295989920825276" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920837635" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_639295989920837635" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920837635" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetBeforeAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_639295989920837635" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_639295989920837635" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920837635" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_639295989920837635" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_639295989920837635" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920837635" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAndFinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAfterAccumulatedDepreciationAndAmortization_639295989920837635" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosurePropertyAndEquipmentAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940302 - Disclosure - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT - Additional Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_37676D6F5507868EFBA8AE75F7F8CD64" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_639295989920842910" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract_37676D6F5507868EFBA8AE75F7F8CD64" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_639295989920842910" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920843405" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_639295989920842910" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920843405" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920843405" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989920843405" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920843405" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2026/stpr-2026.xsd#stpr_NV" xlink:label="stpr_NV_639295989920843405" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989920843405" xlink:to="stpr_NV_639295989920843405" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920843405" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_639295989920842910" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920843405" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_639295989920843405" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920843405" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_639295989920843405" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_639295989920843405" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920843405" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_639295989920843405" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithLongLivedAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithLongLivedAssetImpairmentCharges_639295989920843405" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_639295989920843405" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithLongLivedAssetImpairmentCharges_639295989920843405" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940401 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Additional Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7CA0CEF078D5DB58F107AD27A51590FC" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920851006" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7CA0CEF078D5DB58F107AD27A51590FC" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920851006" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_639295989920851006" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920851006" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_639295989920851006" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920851006" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_639295989920851006" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920851006" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_639295989920851006" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920851006" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_639295989920851006" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:label="loco_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember_639295989920851006" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920851006" xlink:to="loco_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember_639295989920851006" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_639295989920851006" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920851006" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_639295989920851006" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_639295989920851006" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameAxis_639295989920851006" xlink:to="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_639295989920851006" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OmnibusEquityIncentivePlan2018Member" xlink:label="loco_OmnibusEquityIncentivePlan2018Member_639295989920856358" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PlanNameDomain_639295989920851006" xlink:to="loco_OmnibusEquityIncentivePlan2018Member_639295989920856358" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920851006" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_639295989920856985" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant_639295989920856985" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_639295989920856985" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_639295989920856985" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_639295989920856985" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_639295989920856985" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="6" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingVestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingVestedNumberOfShares_639295989920856985" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingVestedNumberOfShares_639295989920856985" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_639295989920856985" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsNonvestedNumberOfShares_639295989920856985" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_639295989920856985" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_639295989920856985" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_639295989920862885" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_639295989920862885" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_639295989920862885" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions_639295989920862885" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_639295989920862885" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_639295989920862885" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_639295989920862885" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_639295989920862885" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_639295989920862885" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920856985" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_639295989920862885" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationChangesInStockOptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940402 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Changes in Stock Options (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_EE2FEFE9E1555244BFC8A5EFB63AAC10" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_639295989920868495" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_EE2FEFE9E1555244BFC8A5EFB63AAC10" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_639295989920868495" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_639295989920868495" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_639295989920868495" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_639295989920868495" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_639295989920868495" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_639295989920868495" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodGross_639295989920868495" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_639295989920868495" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_639295989920868495" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_639295989920868495" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod_639295989920868495" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_639295989920868495" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod_639295989920868495" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_639295989920873835" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_639295989920868495" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber_639295989920873835" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_639295989920874425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_639295989920868495" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingNumber_639295989920874425" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_639295989920874425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_639295989920868495" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber_639295989920874425" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_639295989920874425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_EE2FEFE9E1555244BFC8A5EFB63AAC10" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_639295989920874425" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920874425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_639295989920874425" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920874425" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920874425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_639295989920874425" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920874425" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920874425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_639295989920874425" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920874425" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920874425" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_639295989920874425" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920874425" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920880401" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_639295989920874425" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920880401" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920880401" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_639295989920874425" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920880401" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920880401" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePriceRollforward_639295989920874425" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice_639295989920880401" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_639295989920880401" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_EE2FEFE9E1555244BFC8A5EFB63AAC10" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_639295989920880401" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_639295989920880401" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_639295989920880401" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2_639295989920880401" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_639295989920880401" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_639295989920880401" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_639295989920880401" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_639295989920886125" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_639295989920880401" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1_639295989920886125" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_639295989920886125" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_EE2FEFE9E1555244BFC8A5EFB63AAC10" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_639295989920886125" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_639295989920886125" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_639295989920886125" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue_639295989920886125" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="7" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue_639295989920886125" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_639295989920886125" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestExercisableAggregateIntrinsicValue_639295989920886125" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_639295989920886125" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestAbstract_639295989920886125" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1_639295989920886125" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationWeightedAverageAssumptionsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940403 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Weighted Average Assumptions (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7CA0CEF078D5DB58F107AD27A51590FC_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_639295989920892096" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7CA0CEF078D5DB58F107AD27A51590FC_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_639295989920892096" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_639295989920892096" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7CA0CEF078D5DB58F107AD27A51590FC_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_639295989920892096" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_639295989920892096" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_7CA0CEF078D5DB58F107AD27A51590FC_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardFairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm1_639295989920892096" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationScheduleOfChangesInRestrictedSharesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940404 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Schedule of Changes in Restricted Shares (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6BBBC36339EC54ABA152FBE09764B216" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920892096" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6BBBC36339EC54ABA152FBE09764B216" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920892096" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_639295989920897477" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920892096" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_639295989920897477" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920898064" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_639295989920897477" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920898064" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_639295989920898064" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920898064" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_639295989920898064" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920898064" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920892096" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920898064" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_639295989920898064" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920898064" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_639295989920898064" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_639295989920898064" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_639295989920898064" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_639295989920898064" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_639295989920898064" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_639295989920898064" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_639295989920898064" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_639295989920898064" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_639295989920898064" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_639295989920898064" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod_639295989920903362" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_639295989920898064" xlink:to="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod_639295989920903362" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_639295989920903958" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_639295989920898064" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_639295989920903958" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_639295989920903958" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920898064" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_639295989920903958" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920903958" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_639295989920903958" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920903958" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920903958" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_639295989920903958" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920903958" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920903958" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_639295989920903958" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920903958" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920903958" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_639295989920903958" xlink:to="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920903958" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6392959899209039581" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward_639295989920903958" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6392959899209039581" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940405 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Units (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6BBBC36339EC54ABA152FBE09764B216_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920909730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract_6BBBC36339EC54ABA152FBE09764B216_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920909730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_639295989920909730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920909730" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_639295989920909730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920909730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_639295989920909730" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920909730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_639295989920909730" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_639295989920909730" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_639295989920909730" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:label="loco_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember_639295989920915395" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_639295989920909730" xlink:to="loco_PerformanceRestrictedStockUnitsMember_639295989920915395" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_639295989920909730" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_639295989920915395" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_639295989920915395" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_639295989920915395" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_639295989920915395" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_639295989920915395" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_639295989920915395" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod" xlink:label="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod_639295989920915395" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedAndExpirationsInPeriod_639295989920915395" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6392959899209153951" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6392959899209153951" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920920883" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920920883" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920920883" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920920883" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920920883" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920920883" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920920883" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="loco_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresAndExpiredWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_639295989920920883" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6392959899209208831" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_6392959899209208831" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_639295989920920883" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedShareBasedAwardsOtherThanOptions_639295989920920883" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_639295989920920883" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_639295989920920883" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_639295989920926592" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_639295989920915395" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_639295989920926592" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureStockBasedCompensationShareRepurchasesProgramDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940406 - Disclosure - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Share Repurchases program (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable_639295989920926592" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsSharebasedPaymentsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable_639295989920926592" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis" xlink:label="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_639295989920926592" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable_639295989920926592" xlink:to="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_639295989920926592" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain" xlink:label="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_639295989920926592" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramAxis_639295989920926592" xlink:to="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_639295989920926592" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ShareRepurchaseProgram2023Member" xlink:label="loco_ShareRepurchaseProgram2023Member_639295989920932330" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_639295989920926592" xlink:to="loco_ShareRepurchaseProgram2023Member_639295989920932330" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_StockRepurchasePrograms2026Member" xlink:label="loco_StockRepurchasePrograms2026Member_639295989920933705" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ShareRepurchaseProgramDomain_639295989920926592" xlink:to="loco_StockRepurchasePrograms2026Member_639295989920933705" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_639295989920935048" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable_639295989920926592" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_639295989920935048" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_639295989920936690" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_639295989920935048" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_639295989920936690" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_639295989920936690" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_639295989920936690" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_639295989920936690" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_639295989920936690" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ClassOfTreasuryStockTable_639295989920926592" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_639295989920936690" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1" xlink:label="srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_639295989920936690" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_639295989920936690" xlink:to="srt_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1_639295989920936690" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_639295989920936690" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_639295989920936690" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares_639295989920936690" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_639295989920936690" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityClassOfTreasuryStockLineItems_639295989920936690" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue_639295989920936690" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940501 - Disclosure - LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_E93E9A7DA2BEFC1E1025AE059C77F561" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_639295989920943074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtDisclosureAbstract_E93E9A7DA2BEFC1E1025AE059C77F561" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_639295989920943074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_639295989920943074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_639295989920943074" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_639295989920943074" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_639295989920943074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_639295989920943074" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_639295989920943074" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_639295989920943074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_639295989920943074" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_639295989920943074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_639295989920943074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_639295989920943074" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_639295989920943074" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_SwingLineLoansMember" xlink:label="loco_SwingLineLoansMember_639295989920943074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_639295989920943074" xlink:to="loco_SwingLineLoansMember_639295989920943074" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_639295989920943074" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_639295989920943074" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_639295989920943074" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_639295989920948878" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_639295989920943074" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_639295989920948878" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" xlink:label="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember_639295989920949465" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_639295989920948878" xlink:to="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember_639295989920949465" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_AmendedCreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" xlink:label="loco_AmendedCreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember_639295989920949465" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_CreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember_639295989920949465" xlink:to="loco_AmendedCreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember_639295989920949465" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_639295989920949465" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_639295989920943074" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_639295989920949465" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_639295989920949465" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_639295989920949465" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_639295989920949465" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember_639295989920949465" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_639295989920949465" xlink:to="us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember_639295989920949465" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrMember_639295989920949465" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_639295989920949465" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrMember_639295989920949465" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OneMonthSecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrMember" xlink:label="loco_OneMonthSecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrMember_639295989920949465" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_639295989920949465" xlink:to="loco_OneMonthSecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrMember_639295989920949465" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_639295989920955189" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_639295989920949465" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember_639295989920955189" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_639295989920955189" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_639295989920943074" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_639295989920955189" order="4" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_639295989920955189" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_639295989920955189" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_639295989920955189" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_639295989920955189" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_639295989920955189" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_639295989920955189" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_639295989920955189" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_639295989920955189" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_639295989920955189" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_639295989920943074" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_639295989920960481" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_639295989920960481" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_639295989920960870" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm_639295989920960870" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_639295989920960870" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity_639295989920960870" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loco_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity_639295989920960870" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="loco_LineOfCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity_639295989920960870" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRestrictedPayments" xlink:label="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRestrictedPayments_639295989920960870" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsMaximumAnnualRestrictedPayments_639295989920960870" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsRestrictedPaymentsPercentageOfConsolidatedEbitdar" xlink:label="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsRestrictedPaymentsPercentageOfConsolidatedEbitdar_639295989920960870" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="loco_DebtInstrumentRestrictiveCovenantsRestrictedPaymentsPercentageOfConsolidatedEbitdar_639295989920960870" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_DebtInstrumentCovenantDescriptionMaximumLeverageRatio" xlink:label="loco_DebtInstrumentCovenantDescriptionMaximumLeverageRatio_639295989920960870" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="loco_DebtInstrumentCovenantDescriptionMaximumLeverageRatio_639295989920960870" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_639295989920966774" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_639295989920966774" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod_639295989920966774" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod_639295989920966774" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentNet" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentNet_639295989920966774" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNoncurrentNet_639295989920966774" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_639295989920966774" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_639295989920966774" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_639295989920966774" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_639295989920966774" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_639295989920972725" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_639295989920972725" order="13" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_639295989920973534" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_639295989920973534" order="14" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_639295989920973534" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_639295989920973534" order="15" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_639295989920973534" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_639295989920955189" xlink:to="us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit_639295989920973534" order="16" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherAccruedExpensesAndCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940601 - Disclosure - OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES AND CURRENT LIABILITIES - Schedule of Other Accrued Expenses and Current Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920980082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920980082" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_639295989920980082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedInsuranceCurrent_639295989920980082" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_SalesAndPropertyTaxPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loco_SalesAndPropertyTaxPayableCurrent_639295989920980082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="loco_SalesAndPropertyTaxPayableCurrent_639295989920980082" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_639295989920980082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_639295989920980082" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedAdvertisingCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedAdvertisingCurrent_639295989920980082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedAdvertisingCurrent_639295989920980082" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgram" xlink:label="loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgram_639295989920980082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgram_639295989920980082" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_639295989920980082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedProfessionalFeesCurrent_639295989920980082" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFeeCurrent" xlink:label="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFeeCurrent_639295989920980082" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFeeCurrent_639295989920980082" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_639295989920986502" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_639295989920986502" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_639295989920987262" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_639295989920987262" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920987262" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920987262" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920987262" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PayablesAndAccrualsAbstract_18B4B948F6FC9BEE9C73AC83E5ACDB12" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_639295989920987262" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesScheduleOfOtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940701 - Disclosure - OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES - Schedule of Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees" xlink:label="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees_639295989920987262" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="loco_DeferredFranchiseAndDevelopmentFees_639295989920987262" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_639295989920987262" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherSundryLiabilitiesNoncurrent_639295989920987262" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_639295989920992708" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesDisclosureAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_639295989920992708" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940801 - Disclosure - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_C6B61164172E4308EA84AC83E5040B25" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_639295989920994406" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureAbstract_C6B61164172E4308EA84AC83E5040B25" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_639295989920994406" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_639295989920994406" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_639295989920994406" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_639295989920994406" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_639295989920994406" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_639295989920994406" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_639295989920994406" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ChickenMember" xlink:label="loco_ChickenMember_639295989920994406" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_639295989920994406" xlink:to="loco_ChickenMember_639295989920994406" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_639295989920994406" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_639295989920994406" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_639295989920994406" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_639295989920994406" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_639295989920994406" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_639295989920994406" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyLeaseGuaranteeMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyLeaseGuaranteeMember_639295989921000122" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_639295989920994406" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyLeaseGuaranteeMember_639295989921000122" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_639295989921000496" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_639295989920994406" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_639295989921000496" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_639295989921000496" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualAxis_639295989921000496" xlink:to="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_639295989921000496" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_OfficerMember" xlink:label="srt_OfficerMember_639295989921000496" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_639295989921000496" xlink:to="srt_OfficerMember_639295989921000496" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_639295989921000496" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable_639295989920994406" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_639295989921000496" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_639295989921020084" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_639295989921000496" xlink:to="us-gaap_PurchaseObligation_639295989921020084" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LeaseExpirationYear" xlink:label="loco_LeaseExpirationYear_639295989921025948" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_639295989921000496" xlink:to="loco_LeaseExpirationYear_639295989921025948" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_639295989921000496" xlink:to="us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_639295989921026346" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems_639295989921000496" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfEmploymentAgreements_639295989921026346" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareComputationOfBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940901 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_55738C5F911377169199AC04DAA3B56B" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_55738C5F911377169199AC04DAA3B56B" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAbstract_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="8" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_55738C5F911377169199AC04DAA3B56B" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989921026346" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_639295989921026346" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_639295989921026346" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_639295989921026346" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicOtherDisclosuresAbstract_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_639295989921026346" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareScheduleOfReconciliationOfBasicAndDilutedShareCountsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99940902 - Disclosure - EARNINGS PER SHARE- Schedule of Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Share Counts (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_80478E2C72A75B9DBAE3C0FC3FD8B84C" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_80478E2C72A75B9DBAE3C0FC3FD8B84C" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_80478E2C72A75B9DBAE3C0FC3FD8B84C" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_639295989921026346" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract_80478E2C72A75B9DBAE3C0FC3FD8B84C" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_639295989921026346" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941001 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Additional Information (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_85C1E4035AE6790484FAADC40F48F5A1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_85C1E4035AE6790484FAADC40F48F5A1" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PerformanceObligationTypeAxis" xlink:label="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeAxis_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_639295989921026346" xlink:to="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeAxis_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PerformanceObligationTypeDomain" xlink:label="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeDomain_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeAxis_639295989921026346" xlink:to="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeDomain_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_HardwareServicesMember" xlink:label="loco_HardwareServicesMember_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_PerformanceObligationTypeDomain_639295989921026346" xlink:to="loco_HardwareServicesMember_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_639295989921026346" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_639295989921026346" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_639295989921026346" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_639295989921026346" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_639295989921026346" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_639295989921026346" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_639295989921026346" order="3" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchiseRightsMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchiseRightsMember_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchiseRightsMember_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_639295989921026346" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NumberOfRevenueStreams" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfRevenueStreams_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_639295989921026346" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfRevenueStreams_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgramLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgramLiabilityCurrent_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_639295989921026346" xlink:to="loco_AccruedLoyaltyRewardsProgramLiabilityCurrent_639295989921026346" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife_639295989921026346" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLifeRenewalPeriod" xlink:label="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLifeRenewalPeriod_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_639295989921026346" xlink:to="loco_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLifeRenewalPeriod_639295989921026346" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognizedPeriod" xlink:label="loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognizedPeriod_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_639295989921026346" xlink:to="loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognizedPeriod_639295989921026346" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_639295989921026346" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersRevenuesDisaggregatedByGeographicMarketDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941002 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Revenues Disaggregated by Geographic Market (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_4C3AA64DF20FDB469BA0AC7304DDEF78" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_4C3AA64DF20FDB469BA0AC7304DDEF78" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_639295989921026346" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921026346" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989921026346" order="3" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989921026346" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LosAngelesMember" xlink:label="loco_LosAngelesMember_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989921026346" xlink:to="loco_LosAngelesMember_639295989921026346" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OtherThanLosAngeles1Member" xlink:label="loco_OtherThanLosAngeles1Member_639295989921026346" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989921026346" xlink:to="loco_OtherThanLosAngeles1Member_639295989921026346" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921061578" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921026346" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921061578" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921061578" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersLoyaltyRewardLiabilityAndGiftCardLiabilityDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941003 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Loyalty Reward Liability and Gift Card Liability (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989921062411" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_GiftCardLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loco_GiftCardLiabilityMember_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_GiftCardLiabilityMember_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LoyaltyRewardProgramMember" xlink:label="loco_LoyaltyRewardProgramMember_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_LoyaltyRewardProgramMember_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921062411" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" xlink:label="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAddition" xlink:label="loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAddition_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAddition_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_TotalRevenueRecognizedFromBothBeginningBalanceAndCurrentPeriodIncreaseInContractLiability" xlink:label="loco_TotalRevenueRecognizedFromBothBeginningBalanceAndCurrentPeriodIncreaseInContractLiability_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_TotalRevenueRecognizedFromBothBeginningBalanceAndCurrentPeriodIncreaseInContractLiability_639295989921062411" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_6392959899210624111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_6392959899210624111" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityCurrent_639295989921062411" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="4" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_639295989921062411" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="4" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersChangeInContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941004 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Change in Contract Liabilities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_CEEB5EB79F88E8BBB169B0B356CCC7E5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_CEEB5EB79F88E8BBB169B0B356CCC7E5" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989921062411" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchiseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchiseMember_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchiseMember_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" xlink:label="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodStartLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAddition" xlink:label="loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAddition_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityNewContractAddition_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized_639295989921062411" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_6392959899210624111" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_ChangeinContractwithCustomerLiabilityRollForward_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability_6392959899210624111" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/periodEndLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureRevenueFromContractsWithCustomersUnsatisfiedPerformanceObligationDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941005 - Disclosure - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS - Unsatisfied Performance Obligation (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_63C96BF9621FAC6C77C3AE6306FD206C" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerAbstract_63C96BF9621FAC6C77C3AE6306FD206C" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis_639295989921062411" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchiseMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchiseMember_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchiseMember_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_639295989921062411" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941101 - Disclosure - LEASES (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_637312198143832513" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_637312198143832513" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_FacilityLeasesMember" xlink:label="loco_FacilityLeasesMember_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_FacilityLeasesMember_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_EquipmentLeaseMember" xlink:label="loco_EquipmentLeaseMember_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_EquipmentLeaseMember_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PropertyLeaseModificationsMember" xlink:label="loco_PropertyLeaseModificationsMember_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_PropertyLeaseModificationsMember_639295989921062411" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis_639295989921062411" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2026/stpr-2026.xsd#stpr_NV" xlink:label="stpr_NV_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_639295989921062411" xlink:to="stpr_NV_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NumberOfFinanceLeases" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfFinanceLeases_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfFinanceLeases_639295989921062411" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_639295989921062411" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions" xlink:label="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseNumberOfRenewalOptions_639295989921062411" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm_639295989921062411" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend_639295989921062411" order="5" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfResidualValueGuarantee" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfResidualValueGuarantee_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfResidualValueGuarantee_639295989921062411" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NumberOfRestaurantWithLeaseModification" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfRestaurantWithLeaseModification_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfRestaurantWithLeaseModification_639295989921062411" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset_639295989921062411" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_639295989921062411" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseImpairmentLoss_639295989921062411" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="5" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse" xlink:label="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="us-gaap_ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse_639295989921062411" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithLongLivedAssetImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithLongLivedAssetImpairmentCharges_639295989921062411" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921062411" xlink:to="loco_NumberOfRestaurantsWithLongLivedAssetImpairmentCharges_639295989921062411" order="12" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLeaseCostDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941102 - Disclosure - LEASES - Lease Cost (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_637502132371278393" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_637502132371278393" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PropertyLeaseMember" xlink:label="loco_PropertyLeaseMember_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_PropertyLeaseMember_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_EquipmentLeaseMember" xlink:label="loco_EquipmentLeaseMember_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_EquipmentLeaseMember_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeLocationBalanceAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeLocationBalanceAxis_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeLocationBalanceAxis_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseRightOfUseAssetAmortization_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseInterestExpense_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OperatingLeaseCostNet" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeaseCostNet_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeaseCostNet_639295989921107674" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCost_639295989921107674" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableLeaseCost_639295989921107674" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubleaseIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubleaseIncome_639295989921107674" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_SubleaseAndFranchiseIncome" xlink:label="loco_SubleaseAndFranchiseIncome_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_SubleaseAndFranchiseIncome_639295989921107674" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseCost" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseCost_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseCost_639295989921107674" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="2" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesCashAndNonCashLeaseActivitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941103 - Disclosure - LEASES - Cash and Non-cash Lease Activities (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_637502140559699862" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_637502140559699862" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_PropertyLeaseMember" xlink:label="loco_PropertyLeaseMember_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_PropertyLeaseMember_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_EquipmentLeaseMember" xlink:label="loco_EquipmentLeaseMember_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_EquipmentLeaseMember_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeasePayments_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeasePrincipalPayments_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiabilityNetOfLeaseModifications" xlink:label="loco_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiabilityNetOfLeaseModifications_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_RightOfUseAssetObtainedInExchangeForOperatingLeaseLiabilityNetOfLeaseModifications_639295989921107674" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_RightOfUseAssetDeRecognitionTerminationImpairmentOrModifications" xlink:label="loco_RightOfUseAssetDeRecognitionTerminationImpairmentOrModifications_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_RightOfUseAssetDeRecognitionTerminationImpairmentOrModifications_639295989921107674" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="3" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_639295989921107674" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1_639295989921107674" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_639295989921107674" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent_639295989921107674" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesMinimumFutureLeaseObligationsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941104 - Disclosure - LEASES - Minimum Future Lease Obligations (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_637312183830969428" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract_637312183830969428" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_639295989921107674" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_639295989921107674" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_639295989921107674" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_639295989921107674" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_639295989921107674" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_639295989921107674" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" xlink:label="loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour_639295989921107674" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_639295989921107674" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_639295989921107674" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiability_639295989921107674" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityCurrent_639295989921107674" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinanceLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_639295989921107674" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsRemainderOfFiscalYear_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueNextTwelveMonths_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearTwo_639295989921107674" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearThree_639295989921107674" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueYearFour_639295989921107674" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour" xlink:label="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDueAfterYearFour_639295989921107674" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityPaymentsDue_639295989921107674" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseLiabilityUndiscountedExcessAmount_639295989921107674" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability_639295989921107674" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityCurrent_639295989921107674" order="10" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/negatedTerseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilitiesPaymentsDueAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent_639295989921107674" order="11" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract_639295989921107674" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsRemainderOfFiscalYear_639295989921107674" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsNextTwelveMonths_639295989921107674" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinTwoYears" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinTwoYears_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinTwoYears_639295989921107674" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinThreeYears" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinThreeYears_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinThreeYears_639295989921107674" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinFourYears" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinFourYears_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalWithinFourYears_639295989921107674" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAfterYearFour" xlink:label="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAfterYearFour_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAfterYearFour_639295989921107674" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome" xlink:label="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="loco_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueFutureMinimumSubleaseRentalsAbstract_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_LesseeOperatingLeaseMinimumSubleaseIncome_639295989921107674" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_LesseeImputedInterestRate" xlink:label="loco_LesseeImputedInterestRate_639295989921107674" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921107674" xlink:to="loco_LesseeImputedInterestRate_639295989921107674" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureLeasesLessorDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941105 - Disclosure - LEASES - Lessor (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921163497" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LeasesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921163497" order="1" use="optional" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis_639295989921163497" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921163497" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis_639295989921163497" order="1" use="optional" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_639295989921163497" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis_639295989921163497" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_639295989921163497" order="1" use="optional" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember_639295989921163497" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_639295989921163497" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember_639295989921163497" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2026/elts/srt-2026.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember_639295989921163497" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember_639295989921163497" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember_639295989921163497" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921163497" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable_639295989921163497" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921163497" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_639295989921163497" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921163497" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract_639295989921163497" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921163497" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend_639295989921168816" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921163497" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate_639295989921168816" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfLesseeOptionToPurchaseUnderlyingAsset" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfLesseeOptionToPurchaseUnderlyingAsset_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921163497" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfLesseeOptionToPurchaseUnderlyingAsset_639295989921168816" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncome" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncome_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems_639295989921163497" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLeaseIncome_639295989921168816" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941201 - Disclosure - SEGMENT REPORTING (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_2" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingAbstract_2" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_639295989921168816" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_639295989921168816" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_639295989921168816" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_SingleReportableSegmentMember" xlink:label="loco_SingleReportableSegmentMember_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_639295989921168816" xlink:to="loco_SingleReportableSegmentMember_639295989921168816" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments_639295989921168816" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_639295989921168816" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemCompositionDescription" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemCompositionDescription_639295989921168816" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemCompositionDescription_639295989921168816" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_639295989921178432" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerIncludingAssessedTax_639295989921178432" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_639295989921178432" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostDirectMaterial_639295989921178432" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostDirectLabor" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_639295989921178432" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostDirectLabor_639295989921178432" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_639295989921178432" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense_639295989921178432" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_FranchisorCosts" xlink:label="us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_639295989921178432" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" xlink:to="us-gaap_FranchisorCosts_639295989921178432" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_OccupancyExpenses" xlink:label="loco_OccupancyExpenses_639295989921178432" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" xlink:to="loco_OccupancyExpenses_639295989921178432" order="5" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OtherExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherExpenses_639295989921183882" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherExpenses_639295989921183882" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_639295989921184664" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_639295989921184664" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemAmount" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemAmount_639295989921185831" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherItemAmount_639295989921185831" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_639295989921186277" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract_639295989921178432" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_639295989921186277" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_639295989921186277" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_639295989921186277" order="6" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/totalLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating_639295989921186277" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpenseNonoperating_639295989921186277" order="7" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_639295989921186277" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_639295989921186277" order="8" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/verboseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_639295989921186277" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_639295989921168816" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_639295989921186277" order="9" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/positiveLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://www.elpolloloco.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="99941301 - Disclosure - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase">
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_639295989921192820" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventsAbstract_1" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_639295989921192820" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_639295989921192820" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_639295989921192820" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_639295989921192820" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_639295989921192820" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_639295989921192820" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_639295989921192820" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_639295989921192820" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_639295989921192820" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_639295989921192820" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_639295989921192820" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_639295989921192820" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_639295989921192820" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_639295989921192820" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_639295989921192820" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_639295989921192820" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="loco-20260930.xsd#loco_AmendedCreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember" xlink:label="loco_AmendedCreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember_639295989921192820" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_639295989921192820" xlink:to="loco_AmendedCreditAgreementTwoThousandTwentyTwoMember_639295989921192820" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_639295989921192820" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_639295989921192820" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_639295989921192820" order="3" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_639295989921198959" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_639295989921192820" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_639295989921198959" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_639295989921199407" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_639295989921198959" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_639295989921199407" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_639295989921199407" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_639295989921192820" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_639295989921199407" order="4" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/label" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_639295989921199407" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_639295989921199407" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermLineOfCredit_639295989921199407" order="1" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
    <loc xlink:type="locator" xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2026/elts/us-gaap-2026.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_639295989921199407" />
    <presentationArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/arcrole/parent-child" xlink:from="us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_639295989921199407" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromLinesOfCredit_639295989921199407" order="2" use="optional" preferredLabel="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/terseLabel" priority="1" />
  </presentationLink>
  <presentationLink xlink:role="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/role/InsiderTradingArrangements" xlink:type="extended" xlink:title="995445 - Disclosure - Insider Trading Arrangements" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" />
</link:linkbase>
