v3.25.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 25, 2025
Jul. 25, 2025
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Jun. 25, 2025  
Document Transition Report false  
Securities Act File Number 001-36556  
Entity Registrant Name EL POLLO LOCO HOLDINGS, INC.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 20-3563182  
Entity Address, Address Line One 3535 Harbor Blvd.  
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 100  
Entity Address, City or Town Costa Mesa  
Entity Address, State or Province CA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 92626  
City Area Code 714  
Local Phone Number 599-5000  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Smaller reporting company false  
Emerging Growth Company false  
Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   29,995,453
Entity Central Index Key 0001606366  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Amendment Flag false  
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share  
Trading Symbol LOCO  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Rights to Purchase Series A Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share  
No Trading Symbol Flag true  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ