Consumer >> Analyst Interviews >> February 4, 2015

Improved Employment Numbers Firm Up Restaurant Sales

Zackfia, Sharon
Sharon Zackfia, CFA, a Partner and Group Head of the consumer sector at William Blair & Company, L.L.C., joined the firm’s equity research group in 2000. She focuses on the restaurant, leisure and apparel industries. Previously, Ms. Zackfia worked in research at Credit Suisse First Boston and with the Nasdaq Stock Market and Jennison Associates. Ms. Zackfia was recognized by The Wall Street Journal's Best on the Street for 2010 for her coverage of restaurants as well as leisure goods and services, ranking number two in both industries. She also won awards in the Financial Times/StarMine World's Top Analysts listing as the top stock picker in restaurants for both 2009 and 2010. Ms. Zackfia received a B.A. from Yale University. Profile
TWST: As we enter earnings season for the restaurants, what are some of the trends you are starting to see develop in the space?

Ms. Zackfia: It is very early in earnings season, but