It’s truly a family affair.
We were already down the rabbit hole.
We had already started swinging hammers in February.
Credit: Helen
But truly, there is a little more background to that story and a whole lot of faith.
Helen is the first restaurant that he and his wife Emily have owned and run together.
And then added, it wasnt that I was unnecessarily unhappy, it was just something was missing.
Credit: Helen
He was one of Robs first calls once he and Emily decided to take the leap.
Emily also felt confident that Birmingham was the best choice over other Southern cities with emerging culinary scenes.
We have family here, Rob and I met here.
Credit: Helen
It was so obvious thats where we were going.
We were going back to Birmingham…
It kind of went back to Gods plan and people falling into place.
Credit: Helen
We allowed them to do their job.
We didnt micromanage them.
We didnt waffle, Rob explained.
Credit: Helen
The husband wife duo continued the family theme when they named the eatery Helen, after Robs grandmother.
My grandfather built this rock wall that went all the way down.
I mean I can remember going and she would have the electric charcoal starter in there.
It was a charcoal grill.
And her over there cooking on it.
My grandfather bragging on how he got the steaks for cheap.
From walking in the back door, walking down the hallway, the smell.
Which is why we have the crudite with basil dressing on the menu.
That was always on the little counter bar that they had, Rob said.
The menu is robust with options for the meat eater and vegetarian alike.
Its an all-encompassing love letter to the South and her bounty.
Date night, business dinner.
All those things I think we can accomplish through that menu, said Chef.
The decor is sleek but not fussy and certainly warm and inviting.
Many of the items adorning the exposed brick walls are personal items from the couples own collection.
We want it to be comfortable, not pretentious.
We dont have uniforms.
We empower our staff.
You take care of your guests, Emily explained.
Just as theyve honored their familys past, this restaurant also celebrates their present and future.
But they are both aware that there was a very big silver lining.
Their girls are already frequent visitors to Helen.
They will grow up watching their parents working side by side.
