MEET OUR TEAM
Daniel Goslin
GENERAL MANAGER
Daniel Goslin, a native of Alexander City, AL, was first introduced to the food and beverage industry while working at restaurants in his hometown and while attending Huntingdon College. Though Goslin didn’t initially see a future in the hospitality industry, he found his first “desk job” unfulfilling, and ultimately decided to return to where he felt most at home.
Goslin credits his training in college, along with his passion for learning, as instrumental in helping him land a position at SpringHouse restaurant, located at Russell Lands On Lake Martin, in 2012. At SpringHouse, Goslin worked alongside then Executive Chef Rob McDaniel and was promoted to General Manager and Wine Director. During his seven years at the restaurant, he continued to hone his knowledge of food and wine through first-hand experiences and independent research.
In 2020, Goslin accepted the role as General Manager at Helen. In addition to overseeing the daily operations, Goslin enjoys ensuring there is an ever-present feel of community within the restaurant. He notes his main goals include cultivating a service team that embodies the ideals and culture of Helen, as well as fostering an environment that is welcoming and approachable to all.
In his spare time, Goslin enjoys practicing yoga, traveling abroad, and spending time with his friends.
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.
seth dunagan
wine director & assistant manager
Seth Dunagan, a native of Daphne, AL, got his start in the hospitality industry while working and performing in a band at restaurants during his college years at Auburn University. After noticing the parallels between performing on stage and the execution of dinner service in high-end restaurants, he decided to enroll in Auburn’s Hotel & Restaurant Management program.
In 2018, he landed a coveted internship at SpringHouse restaurant, located within Russell Lands On Lake Martin. It was here where he met and worked under his now colleagues at Helen, Executive Chef Rob McDaniel and General Manager Daniel Goslin. While at SpringHouse, Dunagan honed his skillset and began learning more about wine and its various intricacies. That, coupled with a university-led trip to California and Oregon wine country, led him to pursue his interest in wine full time.
In 2020, Dunagan joined the Helen team as the Wine Director & Assistant Manager, where he oversees the restaurant’s by-the-glass and cellar wine lists in addition to day-to-day operations. In his role, Dunagan finds enjoyment in creating the wine lists as well as helping curate the team’s service style, which focuses on meticulous attention to detail while maintaining a relaxed and approachable atmosphere.
When he’s not working, Dunagan enjoys watching movies, studying wine, playing music, and spending time with loved ones.
Brandon Sanders
Sous Chef
Born in Birmingham, AL, Brandon Sanders developed a love for cooking early on at his first job rolling burritos. With a strong desire to learn and grow in the culinary field, Sanders began working at the On Tap Sports Bar shortly thereafter and was eventually promoted to oversee and lead the kitchen staff. After mastering the ropes of that position, Sanders used his newfound skills as Garde Manger at The Club atop of Birmingham’s Red Mountain. It was here that Chef Chris Maynard took Sanders under his wing and taught him to think about food in more unique and interesting ways.
After seven years at The Club, Sanders was promoted to the position of Executive Sous Chef, where he was able to bring his culinary expertise to the table for Birmingham locals and visitors, alike. For Sanders, the 2020 pandemic was a blessing in disguise, as it resulted in him meeting Chef Rob McDaniel and joining the Helen kitchen as Sous Chef starting opening day in August 2020. Sanders notes that his favorite part about working in the kitchen at Helen is the motivating environment where the whole team strives to do their best.
In his spare time, Sanders enjoys playing golf, cheering on the Cleveland Browns, fishing, and taking care of his many animals (including goats and pigs!) with his wife, Jess.
Jesse Legg
Sous Chef
An Alabama native, Jesse was raised just northwest of Birmingham in Jasper. His interest in food began as a teenager during a trip to Greece, when he mistakenly ordered a platter of authentically prepared octopus confit dressed in herbs – and loved it. It was then that Jesse discovered the power of simple ingredients and simple preparations that allow dishes to shine.
Pursuing his passion, Jesse attended the University of North Alabama for a degree in culinary arts and hospitality management. While in school, he worked for Chef Josh Quick at Odette, the area’s bustling hotspot, located in Florence, AL. From there, Jesse joined the talented team at Helen in Birmingham on opening day in August 2020. At Helen, he has enjoyed the chance to grow his knowledge, develop his skills, and practice his creativity under Chef Rob McDaniel.
When he’s not in the kitchen, Jesse enjoys spending time in nature and sharing adventures with loved ones.
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!
Seth Burgess
Bar Manager
A Birmingham native, Seth Burgess developed an early love for the hospitality industry as a barista at Red Cat Coffee House. As a creative spirit, the imagination and pursuit of interesting flavor combinations led to a natural transition into bartending. They have spent the last six years learning the skills necessary to become a successful bartender and manager while working in various cocktail bar atmospheres throughout Downtown Birmingham.
Joining the Helen team on opening day in August of 2020, Seth has consistently enjoyed creating unique experiences for both guests and fellow Helen bartenders through carefully crafted cocktails and meaningful conversations. Behind the bar at Helen, they are often found developing new recipes using innovative techniques and inspiring their team to become their best creative selves in an ever-evolving industry.
In their free time, Seth enjoys making music and going on road trips with friends.
Bailey Coyne
maitre d'
Bailey Coyne was born and raised in Chelsea, AL, and has always had a passion for helping others. It was while working at a local boutique that she realized she wanted to incorporate her love for people into her career.
Making the jump into the food and beverage industry, Bailey was a part of the opening team at Helen, beginning as a hostess in August 2020. Over the years, she has continued to step into new positions including multiple support staff roles and serving. In May of 2023, she officially began her current role as Maître D’.
In this role, Bailey uses her natural knack for making things happen by overseeing all reservations, coordinating seating in the dining room, and interacting with guests. She enjoys greeting patrons with a smile as they walk through the doors and playing a part in helping craft memorable experiences. She appreciates the chance to learn something new each day, experience the incredible food, wine, and cocktails that Helen has to offer, and laughing alongside her amazing teammates. When she’s not at Helen, you can find Bailey walking around her neighborhood with her dog, Rose; attending concerts, cooking, and watching movies with her boyfriend; and spending as much time with her family and friends as she can.