Chef Rob McDaniel and his wife, Emily, own and operate Helen, a contemporary Southern grill in downtown Birmingham.
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 six-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef: South semifinalist (2013-2017, 2024), and was honored as Auburn University’s 2012 Outstanding Hotel and Restaurant Management Program Alumnus.
Since Helen’s opening in 2020, it has earned its spot in many major publications such as Esquire, Conde Nast Traveler, Food & Wine, Forbes, Southern Living, and more. In October 2022, Rob was chosen as a featured chef for the Tabasco Keynote Dinner. Chef McDaniel was also chosen as the chef for the 33rd Annual Grand Tasting and Live Auction Dinner supporting the TumTum Tree Foundation.
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.