Alex Keithley — restaurant owner, small business builder, wife, and mama
This month, we’re excited to feature Alex Keithley — a restaurant owner, small business builder, wife, and mama who blends food, family, and community in a way that feels full of heart, joy, and intention.
Alex lives in Santa Barbara with her husband, their daughter, and three stepsons. Their home is lively, loving, and connected — the kind of family life that shapes everything she brings into her work.
Creativity and entrepreneurship run deep in Alex’s blood. Her father, brother, and sister are all in the restaurant business, so when she co-created Yellow belly with her friend Tracy over a decade ago, it was a dream realized. Yellow belly quickly became a neighborhood favorite — a cozy, inviting space with delicious food and a true sense of community. She later teamed up with Tracy to open The Dirty Dog, a grooming salon and pet shop, just a few doors down from Yellow belly, where each dog is cared for with patience, love, and attention. And because her creativity doesn’t stop there, Alex also designs handcrafted leashes, collars, first aid kits, and bowls through her side business, Wylie Mutt.
Motherhood has given Alex fresh eyes for the families she serves. At Yellow belly, she created a play area and scavenger hunts for kids — small, thoughtful touches that make dining out easier for parents and more fun for little ones. And of course, the food is a highlight for everyone: from their yummy fried chicken sandwich to the indulgent chocolate chip cookie skillet, Yellow belly is a place where families can enjoy both comfort and community. Balancing her businesses with family life is never easy. Between managing operations, keeping up with customers, nurturing her marriage, supporting her stepsons, and spending time with her daughter, the days can feel endless. Still, Alex makes it a point to savor the small, special moments. Her advice to other moms is simple and wise: “Be kind to yourself! Just do your best and on days that you can’t, allow yourself to relax without feeling badly. Being a mother takes big shoes. And that means there are good and bad days. Try to focus on the good days and learn from the bad ones. You are a rockstar!!”
When it comes to filling her own cup, Alex dreams of traveling to Iran with her father, though Ireland with her family feels more within reach. She also finds peace in simple rituals: long walks around Santa Barbara, music or audiobooks by the fire, a cup of tea, a puzzle, her dog curled up on her lap, and her family by her side
Motherhood, she says simply, is why her heart is full.
We’re so honored to feature Alex this month. You can follow her here @yellowbellytap @thedirtydogsb
