v3.26.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
 3 Months Ended
Apr. 01, 2026
May 01, 2026
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Apr. 01, 2026  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-30  
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 575 Anton Blvd.  
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 1100  
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   30,455,298
Entity Central Index Key 0001606366  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
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