CHEF ROB MCDANIEL

OWNER AND EXECUTIVE CHEF

Chef Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily, own and operate Helen, a contemporary Southern grill opening in downtown Birmingham in the Summer of 2020.

McDaniel’s passion and respect for traditional Southern cuisine was first inspired by the foods his grandmothers prepared while he was growing up in Haleyville, Alabama. At Auburn University, McDaniel decided to pursue this passion as a career and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. After graduating, McDaniel headed north to Montpelier, Vermont, where he studied at the New England Culinary Institute. During his time there, McDaniel honed his knowledge of and appreciation for sustainable cooking and became an advocate for supporting local farmers and preserving regional resources.

In his previous positions, McDaniel worked under prestigious chefs such as Johnny Earles at Criolla’s in Grayton Beach, Florida; Chris Hastings at Hot Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama; and Drew Robinson at Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ in Birmingham, Alabama. In 2009, McDaniel accepted the position of executive chef for the soon-to-debut SpringHouse restaurant.

During his time spent in these kitchens, McDaniel developed a passion for Southern foods, foraging, and sustainability that has evolved into the culinary style that he is known for today. His philosophy of respecting the land and using it as inspiration is showcased through his dedication to simple recipes enhanced by flavorful ingredients. McDaniel is a five-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef: South semifinalist (2013-2017), and was honored as Auburn University’s 2012 Outstanding Hotel and Restaurant Management Program Alumnus.

When McDaniel isn’t in the kitchen, he can be found spending time outdoors, whether it’s on a boat with his wife and twin daughters or out in the woods hunting, fishing, or foraging.

EMILY MCDANIEL

Co-Owner & Hospitality Director

A Birmingham, AL, native, Emily McDaniel first began her career in hospitality as part of the marketing team at Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ, where she fell in love with the fast-paced, people-oriented nature of the restaurant world. In 2011, she traded her views of Birmingham for those of Lake Martin and moved to Alexander City, AL, where she married her husband, Chef Rob McDaniel. It was then that she shifted her career from hospitality to real estate. The duo joined Russell Lands On Lake Martin, the largest developer in the area, where Emily worked selling luxury waterfront homes and Rob assumed the role of Executive Chef at SpringHouse, a fine-dining restaurant within the lakeside community. Emily took this time to learn the ins and outs of the real estate industry, relying on her innate ability and hospitality experience to make strong connections with people and create lasting relationships.

After a decade in the real estate world, Emily uses that same “people-person” acumen in her return to Birmingham and the restaurant industry. Serving as Hospitality Director of Helen, Emily joins her husband Rob in this joint venture to pave their way as restauranteurs in the historic downtown building and greater Birmingham culinary scene. At Helen, Emily oversees the accounting, payroll and interviewing of all new team members with a focus on creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere to complement the contemporary Southern menu focused on seasonality and an open-fire grill.

Outside of the restaurant, Emily can be found spending time with her twin daughters, Rosemary and Amelia, entertaining family at home, or exercising at the gym.