Investor

Presentation

January 2017
 Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements
This presentation contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact or relating to
present facts or current conditions included in this presentation are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc.’s (the
“Company”), current expectations and projections relating to its financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can
identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,”
“estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “may,” “should,” “can have,” “likely” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any
discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events.
The forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based on assumptions that the Company has made in light of its industry experience and
perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. As you read
and consider this presentation, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (many of
which are beyond our control), and assumptions. Although the Company believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you
should be aware that many factors could affect its actual operating and financial performance and cause its performance to differ materially from the performance
anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The Company believes these factors include, but are not limited to, those described under the sections “Forward-
Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in its prospectuses and periodic
reports, including in its most recent annual report on Form 10-K as it may be updated from time to time by quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Should one or more of
these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of these assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual operating and financial performance may vary in
material respects from the performance projected in these forward-looking statements.
Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this presentation speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause the
Company’s actual operating and financial performance to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. The
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise,
except as may be required by law.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This presentation contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is defined as a numerical measure of a company’s financial
performance that excludes or includes amounts so as to be different than the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP
in the statements of income, balance sheets or statements of cash flow of the company. The Company has provided a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP
financial measure, to net income in the Appendix to this presentation. Adjusted EBITDA is presented because management believes that such financial measure,
when viewed with the Company’s results of operations in accordance with GAAP and the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (or loss), provides
additional information to investors about certain material non-cash items and about unusual items that the Company does not expect to continue at the same level in
the future. Adjusted EBITDA is used by investors as a supplemental measure to evaluate the overall operating performance of companies in the Company’s industry,
and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of results as reported under GAAP. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be
comparable to that reported by other companies. For additional information about our non-GAAP financial measures, see our filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
JOBS Act
The Company is an “emerging growth company” within the meaning of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act. As a result, the Company is subject to reduced
public company reporting requirements.
 We Are Unlike Anyone Else

Differentiated restaurant concept specializing in

fire-grilled, citrus-marinated chicken

Our Concept
– Citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken
– QSR+
– Prepared fresh daily in each restaurant
– Healthier alternatives on the go

Our Brand Pillars

– High quality food
– Great value
– Emphasis on service
– Warm and inviting atmosphere
 Company Snapshot
Our Restaurant Footprint(1)
460 restaurants(1)
27
4
System-wide sales of $785 million(2) 373

21 straight quarters of positive comp 22

restaurant sales
34
Company-Operated / Franchised
$1.9 million AUV; ~21.3% restaurant 201 259
contribution margin(2)

51% lunch / 49% dinner daypart mix Comparable Restaurant Sales Growth

46% bone-in chicken / 54% Mexican-

inspired entrées
9.9%
7.0% 7.0%

2.2% 0.7% 2.4% 1.6%

2012 2013 2014 2015 Q1 2016 Q2 2016 Q3 2016

El Pollo Loco

(1) As of Q4 2016, ended December 28, 2016

(2) LTM ending September 28, 2016
 What Makes Us El Pollo Loco?
Our Food
It all starts with our fire-grilled chicken
Commitment to fresh, delicious
ingredients and flavors

Our Talent
Our Grill Masters are experts in
the art of chicken

Our Environment
Warm & inviting customer
experience
~75% of the system new or
remodeled
 A Value-Oriented, Faster Fast Casual Concept

QSR: Speed of Service Fast Casual: High Quality Food

and Value Proposition and Dining Experience

QSR+
 Providing Great Food at Great Value

$8.00
EPL Prices Between Taco Bell and Chipotle

$7.50

$7.00
$6.70 $6.70 $6.70
$6.50 Chicken Avocado Burrito
$5.99
$5.99 $5.99 $5.99 $5.99
$6.00

$5.50
$5.29
$4.99
$5.00

Chicken Tostada Salad

$4.50
$5.99

$4.00

$3.50

$3.00
Chicken Chicken Cantina Chicken Chicken Grande Chicken Chicken Chicken Grande Avocado Bowl
Cantina Fiesta Bowl Avocado Tostada Avocado Burrito Salad Bowl $5.99
Burrito Taco Salad Burrito Bowl
Source: El Pollo Loco Tier 2 Company Prices; Competitive Prices per Fishbowl Q3 2016 LA Competitive Pricing Report
.
 Growth At The Top and Bottom Lines

Company-Operated Restaurant Revenue ($Millions)

$349.7
$294.3 $318.0 $332.0
• Revenue CAGR of 6.8% $255.4 $274.9

2011 2012 2013 2014 (52 wk basis) 2015 2016 Q3 LTM

Restaurant Contribution(1)
Margin 21.9% 21.7%
21.0% 21.3%
• 260 bps of margin improvement 19.8%
18.7%

2011 2012 2013 2014 (52 wk basis) 2015 2016 Q3 LTM

Franchise Revenue $24.2
$20.4 $22.2 $23.0
• Franchise revenue CAGR of 6.6% $17.9 $18.7

2011 2012 2013 2014 (52 wk basis) 2015 2016 Q3 LTM

Adjusted EBITDA(1) and Margin $65.5 $66.5
$61.9
• 11.6% Adjusted EBITDA CAGR and $54.6
$46.8 18.4%
330 bps margin expansion $39.5 17.4%
18.2% 17.8%
16.0%
14.5%

2011 2012 2013 2014 (52 wk basis) 2015 2016 Q3 LTM

(1) Restaurant contribution, restaurant contribution margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").
Restaurant contribution is defined as company-operated restaurant revenue less company restaurant expenses. Restaurant contribution margin is defined as restaurant contribution as a percentage of net company-operated
restaurant revenue. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation, amortization and items that we do not consider representative of our ongoing operating
performance. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue. Please refer to the Appendix for reconciliation schedules.
 Our Growth Strategies

Increase Comparable Restaurant Sales

• Menu Innovation
• Marketing Initiatives
• Enhance Operations
• Asset Design

Expand Our Restaurant Base

 Growing Our Comps Through Our Consumers

General Market Time-Pressured, Value-Conscious Main Street Foodies

Need States Authenticity / Variety Healthy Eating Value

Compelling Value Proposition

Brand Pillars Food Service Environment

 Growth Through Menu Innovation

Heather Gardea, New Product Launches

EPL Executive Chef

Under 500 Lettuce Tacos

“Overstuffed” Chicken Quesadillas Beef Barbacoa

“Road to Authenticity” Advertising Campaign

Pays homage to authentic Los Angeles roots

Celebrates the influence of Los Angeles’ vibrant personality

and character

Highlights a proud and enduring heritage in the Latino heart

of LA
“Road to Authenticity” Advertising Campaign
 Leverage Mobile Technology

Online Order/Mobile App launched in Q4 2016

3rd party Delivery launch in Q1 2017

Loyalty Program in Q2 2017

Self Service Kiosks by YE 2017

 Growth Through Enhanced Operations

Continuing to Build Operations Excellence

2017 • Learning Structure • E Learning

• Labor Optimization • Customer focus

• Simplified POS • User friendly POS system

• Pagers • Inside speed of service

• Prep Guide • Prep Efficiency

• Deployment • Labor allocation

• Line Layout
• Improve line efficiency
2014 • Simplified Builds
“Vision” Design
“Vision” Design
“Vision” Design
Our Growth Strategies

Expand Our Restaurant Base

 Growth Through New Units

Potential For An Additional 1,900 Restaurants Nationwide

Unit Growth Strategy

Focus on Southwest
w/emphasis on Texas
Balance openings between
existing and new markets
Continue to grow franchisee
Dallas
base through existing and
new franchisees
Houston
Improve performance in
non-core markets

Existing Market
Long-term system unit
New Market
growth of 8-10% annually

Note: Unit potential based on management estimates and 2014 Buxton study.
 Unit Economic Model

Year 3 Target ($Thousands)

Average Unit Volume $1,800

Restaurant
~20%
Contribution Margin(1)

Investment Cost ~$1,650

Cash-on-Cash Return 20%+

• Currently value engineering “Vision” to
reduce investment cost

(1) Restaurant contribution and restaurant contribution margin are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, United States generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Restaurant contribution is defined as company-operated restaurant revenue less company restaurant
expenses. Restaurant contribution margin is defined as restaurant contribution as a percentage of net company-operated restaurant revenue. Please
refer to the Appendix for the reconciliation schedule.
Financial Review
 Historical Financial Summary

Total Revenue Restaurant Contribution(1) and Margin

($Millions) ($Millions)
Company Franchise 373.9 74.4
355.1 71.9
24.2 69.5
340.2
23.0 61.9 Margin ∆
314.7 22.2 +260 bps
54.5 21.9%
293.6 20.4 21.7%
47.6 21.3%
273.2 21.0%
18.7 349.7
332.0
17.9 318.0 19.8%
294.3
274.9
255.4 18.7%

2011 2012 2013 2014 (52 2015 2016 Q3 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Q3
wk basis) LTM 52 Week Basis LTM
Adjusted EBITDA(1) and Margin
65.5 66.5
($Millions)
61.9

54.6 • Margin declines in 2015 and 2016

18.2% 18.4% Margin ∆
46.8 17.4%
17.8%
+330bps
driven by accelerated development
39.5 16.0%
• Base restaurant margins +80 bp
14.5%
through Q3 2016
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Q3
52 Week Basis LTM
(1) Restaurant contribution, restaurant contribution margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").
Restaurant contribution is defined as company-operated restaurant revenue less company restaurant expenses. Restaurant contribution margin is defined as restaurant contribution as a percentage of net company-operated
restaurant revenue. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation, amortization and items that we do not consider representative of our ongoing operating
performance. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue. Please refer to the Appendix for reconciliation schedules.
 Balance Sheet Optimized for Growth

September 28, 2016

($Millions)

Cash & Cash Equivalents $6.5

Total Debt(1) $107.5

Net Debt(1) $101.0

Total Debt / LTM Adjusted EBITDA 1.6x
Net Debt / LTM Adjusted EBITDA 1.5x
LTM Adjusted EBITDA (52 weeks) $66.5

Interest costs reduced by over $35MM since October 2013 to

approximately $3.2MM annualized

.
(1) Excludes approximately $7.2 million of outstanding letters of credit as of September 28, 2016, which will not be reflected on the balance sheet unless drawn upon.
 Long-Term Financial Goals

Accelerating to 8 – 10% Annual System-wide New Unit Growth

2.0 – 3.0% Annual Comparable Restaurant Sales Growth

10 – 15% Annual EBITDA Growth

10 – 15% Annual EPS Growth

Note: These targets are forward-looking, are subject to significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company and its management,
and are based upon assumptions with respect to future decisions, which are subject to change. Actual results may vary and these variations may be material. For discussion of some of the important factors that could
cause these variations, please consult the “Forward-Looking Statements,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s most
recent annual report on Form 10-K, as it may be updated from time to time by quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Nothing in this presentation should be regarded as a representation by any person that these goals will be
achieved and the Company undertakes no duty to update its goals.
 Investment Highlights

Differentiated Restaurant Concept with Broad Appeal

Authentic Fire-Grilled Chicken and Mexican Inspired Entrees
Compelling Value Proposition
High AUVs, SSS and Attractive Restaurant-Level Economics
New Initiatives In Place for Growth in 2017
Stable and Recurring Cash Flows from Franchise Revenue
Significant Unit Growth Opportunity
Appendix
 Restaurant Contribution Reconciliation

Thirty-Nine Thirteen
($Thousands) Fiscal Year Ended
Weeks Ended Weeks Ended
September December
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
28, 2016 30, 2015

Company-operated restaurant revenue $268,984 $80,745 $332,040 $322,516 $294,327 $274,928 $255,361

Company restaurant expenses (211,982) (63,351) (260,125) (251,795) (232,408) (220,470) (207,726)

Restaurant contribution $57,002 $17,394 $71,915 $70,721 $61,919 $54,458 $47,635

Restaurant contribution margin (%) 21.2% 21.5% 21.7% 21.9% 21.0% 19.8% 18.7%
 Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
($Thousands) Thirty-Nine Thirteen Fiscal Year Ended
Weeks Ended Weeks Ended

September 28, December 30, 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

2016 2015

Net Income (loss) $17,921 $5,366 $24,054 $42,463 ($16,873) ($7,865) ($32,471)

Non-GAAP adjustments:

(Benefit) provision for income taxes 11,930 4,576 20,857 (63,008) 1,401 2,027 1,579

Interest expense, net 2,441 672 3,707 18,062 36,334 38,890 37,715

Depreciation and amortization 11,796 3,468 13,092 11,538 10,213 9,530 9,615

EBITDA $44,088 $14,082 $61,710 $9,055 $31,075 $42,582 $16,438

Stock based compensation expense(1) 244 (69) 539 1,093 822 860 40

Management fees(2) -- -- -- 343 624 612 674

Loss on disposal of assets(3) 524 44 471 646 868 966 197

Expenses related to fire loss(4) 48 -- -- -- -- -- --

(Gain) on recovery of insurance proceeds(4) (741) -- -- -- -- -- --

Impairment and closures(5) 2,624 65 89 1,033 (101) 1,494 2,014

Debt extinguishment expense(6) -- -- -- 9,718 21,530 -- 20,173

Gain on sale of restaurants(7) (28) -- -- (2,658) (400)

Expense related to selling shareholders (8) -- -- 50 667 -- --

Income tax receivable expense(9) 411 (866) 156 41,382 -- -- --

Tax credit expense(10) -- -- -- 415 -- -- --

Securities class action legal expense(11) 2,327 993 993 -- -- -- --

Pre-opening costs(12) 1,775 985 1,456 1,215 201 320 --

Adjusted EBITDA $51,272 $15,234 $65,464 $62,909 $54,619 $46,834 $39,536

Pro-rata Adjustment to 52 Weeks(13) (1,005)

Adjusted EBITDA (52 Weeks) $51,272 $15,234 $65,464 $61,904 $54,619 $46,834 $39,536

Footnotes on next page