A contemporary Southern grill led by Chef Rob McDaniel and Emily McDaniel, Helen is a refreshed take on classic dining that pays homage to Rob’s memories cooking over the hardwood coals and smoke of his grandmother’s indoor grill. Located in a two-story 1920s-era shotgun-style building in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, Helen balances timeless elegance with a convivial, welcoming atmosphere. The McDaniels partnered with friends and local artisans, such as iron workers, wood workers, and other artists, to create a warm and engaging space for celebration. Prime meats and seafood are cooked in an open kitchen, served alongside vegetables and non-traditional sides on a menu driven by seasonality and product from local purveyors.
CHEF ROB MCDANIEL
OWNER AND EXECUTIVE CHEF
Chef Rob McDaniel, along with his wife Emily, owns and operates Helen, a contemporary Southern grill that opened in downtown Birmingham in the summer of 2020.
Growing up in Haleyville, Alabama, Rob’s passion for traditional Southern cuisine was sparked by the dishes his grandmothers prepared. He pursued this passion at Auburn University, where he earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management. Rob then furthered his culinary education at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, where he embraced sustainable cooking and became a strong advocate for local farming and preserving regional resources.
Throughout his career, Rob has worked with renowned chefs like Johnny Earles at Criolla’s in Grayton Beach, FL, Chris Hastings at Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, AL, and Drew Robinson at Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ. In 2009, he took on the role of executive chef at the newly opened SpringHouse restaurant, where he refined his love for Southern foods, foraging, and sustainability.
Rob’s cooking philosophy centers on respecting the land and celebrating its bounty through simple yet flavorful recipes. His dedication to Southern cuisine and sustainable practices has earned him five James Beard Foundation Best Chef: South semifinalist nominations (2013-2017) and recognition as Auburn University’s 2012 Outstanding Hotel and Restaurant Management Program Alumnus.
When Rob isn’t in the kitchen, he loves being outdoors—hunting, fishing, and foraging. He also enjoys spending quality time with his wife and twin daughters, and exploring Birmingham’s vibrant food scene by dining at other local restaurants.
EMILY MCDANIEL
Co-Owner & Hospitality Director
A Birmingham, AL native, Emily McDaniel began her hospitality career on the marketing team at Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ, where she developed a passion for the fast-paced, people-oriented nature of the restaurant world. In 2011, she relocated to Lake Martin, Alexander City, AL, where she married Chef Rob McDaniel and transitioned her career into real estate. Together, they joined Russell Lands On Lake Martin—Emily selling luxury waterfront homes, while Rob became Executive Chef at SpringHouse, a fine-dining restaurant in the lakeside community. During this time, Emily honed her real estate expertise, building lasting relationships and connections with clients.
After a decade in real estate, Emily returned to Birmingham to rejoin the restaurant industry as Hospitality Director of Helen, which she co-owns with her husband, Rob. At Helen, she manages accounts payable, payroll, human resources, and recruitment, with a focus on fostering a welcoming atmosphere to complement the seasonal, open-fire Southern cuisine.
Outside of the restaurant, Emily enjoys spending time with her 7-year-old twin daughters, Rosemary and Amelia, traveling with friends, entertaining family at home, and staying active at the gym.