MEET OUR TEAM
We are incredibly proud of the dedicated individuals who make Helen a truly special place. Our team is passionate about hospitality, hard work, and creating memorable experiences for our guests. We consider ourselves lucky to have such talented and caring professionals. The next time you dine with us, please don’t hesitate to say hello—we’d love to meet you!
seth dunagan
GENERAL MANAGER
Seth Dunagan, a native of Daphne, AL, began his hospitality career while balancing his time as a musician and working in restaurants during his college years at Auburn University. Observing the striking similarities between performing on stage and executing dinner service in fine dining, he decided to enroll in Auburn’s Hotel & Restaurant Management program.
In 2018, Dunagan secured an internship at SpringHouse restaurant, located within Russell Lands On Lake Martin. There, he worked under Executive Chef Rob McDaniel and General Manager Daniel Goslin, now his colleagues at Helen. At SpringHouse, Dunagan sharpened his skills and developed a passion for wine. A university-led trip to California and Oregon wine country further fueled this interest, solidifying his decision to focus on wine as a career.
Dunagan joined Helen in 2020 as Wine Director & Assistant Manager, where he managed the restaurant’s wine program and played a pivotal role in shaping its service culture. In December 2024, Dunagan was promoted to General Manager, where he now oversees all aspects of Helen's operations. His leadership focuses on upholding Helen’s signature blend of meticulous attention to detail and warm, approachable hospitality.
Outside of work, Dunagan enjoys studying wine, watching films, playing music, and spending time with loved ones.
jason davis
chef de cuisine
Jason Davis, a Birmingham native, knew he was destined for a career as a chef as long as he can remember. Growing up, he’d watch his grandfather recreate their favorite restaurant meals at home, putting his own twist on them and eventually making an improved version from his own kitchen. An alum of Auburn University, Davis initially was on the veterinarian track but took a side job washing dishes at Terra Cotta Restaurant, where the Executive Chef saw great potential in him and suggested he attend culinary school instead.
Taking the leap of faith, Davis moved to Hyde Park, New York, to attend The Culinary Institute of America. While attending school, Davis traveled to New York City on weekends to gain experience working in renowned restaurants such as Daniel and Le Bernardin. After graduating in 2003, Davis decided it was time to return to his roots in the south.
Back in Birmingham, he has been honing his craft and skills, working alongside some of the most notable chefs in the area such as Frank Stitt, Nick Pihakis, Paul Yeck, and John Currence, Rodney Scott, and Kevin Rathburn. When Chef Rob McDaniel opened Helen, Jason joined the team and found his home in the kitchen working alongside Chef McDaniel as his right-hand man.
When he’s not working, Davis enjoys spending time with his two amazing children.
sam Patton
wine director
A Homewood, Alabama native, Sam Patton brings an impressive background in hospitality and a passion for wine to Helen Restaurant. Sam earned a degree in Business Administration and Psychology from Millsaps College and achieved his Certified Sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers in April 2024.
Sam’s journey into the wine world began during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to the guidance of exceptional mentors. He launched his hospitality career as a server at Ironwood at the Valley Hotel in Homewood. From there, he ventured to Charleston to work at Kiawah Island Golf Resort before heading north to Rhode Island, where he served as a sommelier at the prestigious Ocean House hotel—a Relais & Châteaux and Forbes 15-star property. During his time at the Ocean House, Sam gained invaluable experience under esteemed Wine Directors Jonathan Feiler and Matthew MacCartney. This role offered him exposure to a diverse range of wines and markets, as well as the opportunity to work with some of the world’s most sought-after wines.
Sam brings a unique perspective to Helen, aiming to showcase exciting and less familiar wine regions on the restaurant’s list. His passion for hospitality runs deep, as he finds joy in elevating moments for others through great wine. Sam believes in the power of wine to bring beauty to life’s experiences, a lesson that has resonated deeply with him on a personal level.
When he’s not curating Helen’s wine program, Sam enjoys traveling, hiking and running at Red Mountain, and practicing jiu-jitsu. A fun fact about Sam? His birthmark, a port wine stain, adds a layer of irony to his path in the wine industry—an industry he now wholeheartedly calls home.
matt siple
Sous Chef
Bio Coming Soon…
Candace Foster
Pastry Chef
PHOTO COMING SOON
Candace Foster, a Chelsea, Alabama native, brings her expertise and passion for pastries to Helen Restaurant. A graduate of Jefferson State Community College with a degree in Baking and Pastry (2016), Candace honed her skills over four and a half years as Pastry Chef and Sous Chef at Ollie Irene before joining Helen on New Year’s Eve 2021.
At Helen, Candace thrives on the mentoring aspect of her role, fostering growth among her teammates and continually pushing for excellence in the kitchen. Her dedication to creating a supportive and collaborative environment reflects the values of the restaurant.
When she’s not crafting exquisite desserts and breads at Helen, Candace channels her creativity into making custom cakes and desserts. Outside of the kitchen, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and beloved dogs. Candace is proud to work in a space where genuine care for employees and a commitment to growth shine through every day.
alaina Waldrop
Bar Manager
Alaina Waldrop was born in Kentucky but moved to Birmingham, AL with her family at a young age and has always considered The Magic City her true home. First introduced to the hospitality industry through her oldest brother, who is a sommelier, Alaina officially got her start in the culinary field at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, NC in 2019 where she both served and bartended. Almost immediately, she fell in love with the fast-paced lifestyle of the food and beverage industry and knew this was her calling.
In 2022, Alaina traded her views of the Appalachian Mountains and returned home to Birmingham where she served in many positions at Helen including support staff, serving and on the bar team. Further advancing to Helen’s Bar Manager in 2024, she utilizes her experience and innate skillset to keep the busy bar running smoothly. At Helen, Alaina appreciates getting the chance to learn something new every day, working alongside colleagues that feel like family, and the potential for personal and professional growth.
In her free time, Alaina enjoys spending time with her two cats, Boba and Zodi, tending to her plant collection, or hanging out at local bars with her friends. She also loves visiting her parents when they aren’t already at Helen themselves!
Bailey Coyne
Maître d & EVENT COORDINATOR
Bailey Coyne was born and raised in Chelsea, AL, where her passion for helping others became evident early on. While working at a local boutique, she discovered her love for connecting with people and knew she wanted to incorporate that into her career.
Bailey joined Helen as part of the opening team in August 2020, starting as a hostess. Her dedication and drive have led her to grow into various roles, including multiple support staff positions and serving, before stepping into her current role as Maître D’ in May 2023 and Private Event Coordinator in August 2024.
As Maître D’, Bailey’s natural talent for organization and hospitality shines. She manages reservations, coordinates private dining events, arranges seating in the dining room, and ensures every guest feels welcomed from the moment they step through Helen’s doors. Her favorite part of the role is helping to craft memorable dining experiences, learning something new each day, and enjoying Helen’s exceptional food, wine, and cocktails. She also treasures the camaraderie and laughter she shares with her teammates.
Outside of work, Bailey loves spending time with her dog, Rose, strolling through her neighborhood, attending concerts, cooking, watching movies with her boyfriend, and making memories with her family and friends.