Moudi Sbeity, the founder of the Salt Lake City restaurant Laziz Kitchen and a central figure in the landmark legal battle for marriage equality, has released a new memoir titled "Habibi Means Beloved." The book, published by the University of Utah Press, explores Sbeity's life as an evacuee from Lebanon who transitioned from a survivor of war to a prominent Utah advocate.
A Journey from Lebanon to Utah
The new memoir, released on August 28, 2026, provides a personal account of Sbeity's upbringing in a Muslim family within a small Lebanese village. According to the University of Utah Press, the book interweaves personal narrative with Sufi mysticism and Lebanese heritage to examine themes of exile, love, and the search for belonging. The 296-page work follows Sbeity's journey from the conflicts that fractured their homeland to their arrival in Utah as an eighteen-year-old evacuee.
Themes of Identity and Belonging
The memoir highlights Sbeity's experiences navigating life as a queer individual, often on the margins of belonging. The University of Utah Press describes the book as an unflinching look at the challenges of being Lebanese and queer, while also touching on the struggle to find a sense of home. The narrative explores the tension between Sbeity's roots and their life in America, specifically addressing the legal and social obstacles faced while living in Utah.
Legal Legacy and Marriage Equality
Sbeity's personal story is inextricably linked to the legal history of the 10th Circuit. As noted by Laziz Kitchen, Sbeity was a plaintiff in the landmark case Kitchen v. Herbert, a legal battle that successfully secured marriage equality across the 10th Circuit and established critical case law for the right to marry nationwide. This legal victory remains a foundational element of Sbeity's public profile alongside their culinary achievements.
The Growth of Laziz Kitchen
The restaurant founded by Sbeity and Derek Kitchen, Laziz Kitchen, has seen significant growth since its inception. According to Laziz Kitchen, the duo began by selling homemade hummus to colleagues and friends before moving to local farmer's markets. This grassroots beginning led to the opening of their first official location in the Salt Lake City community in November 2016. The brand has since expanded to include two additional locations, the Back Door Lounge, and a location in Midvale.
Business Expansion and Partnerships
The culinary brand has also undergone significant organizational changes. Laziz Kitchen announced that in 2022, the business expanded through new partnerships with the Netto and Hannon families, forming the Laziz Kitchen/Laziz Foods Group. This expansion has allowed the brand to bring what it describes as culinary diversity and a "fresh and fun atmosphere" to the Salt Lake City and Midvale areas.
Personal and Professional Paths
The release of the memoir comes as Sbeity continues to manage the complexities of a growing culinary brand and a legacy of advocacy. While the restaurant has transitioned into a larger corporate structure with the Laziz Foods Group, the personal narrative in "Habibi Means Beloved" focuses on the individual's internal call to return to their roots through poetry and writing.
Publication Details
"Habibi Means Beloved" is available in both paperback for $24.95 and ebook formats for $19.95 through the University of Utah Press. The book has received praise from various authors, including Netanel Miles-Yépez and Kazim Ali, for its ability to transform personal suffering into a narrative of resilience and joy.
