Emily McDaniel

About Emily McDaniel

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 front-of-house and operations, 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.

Experience

1. Co-owner

   Helen Restaurant

   Jun 2020 — Present · Birmingham, AL, US

   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.

Education

• Jefferson State Community College

  Associate's degree, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

  2007 — 2010

Skills

• Restaurants
• Leadership
• Hospitality
• Relocation
• Nonprofits
• Marketing
• Catering
• Sales
• Real Estate
• Social Networking
• Customer Service
• Social Media
• Event Management
• Strategic Planning
• Small Business
• Marketing Strategy
• Investment Properties
• Social Media Marketing