An Air Force veteran trusted his gut after getting 'weird vibes' at a Tennessee café. One Google search sent chills down his spine
People believe that the cafe doesn't just serve sandwiches and tea, but also a sinister purpose
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of abuse that some readers may find distressing.
The rustic décor, the warm soothing teas, piping hot homestyle sandwiches, and artistic interiors — everything about The Yellow Deli cafe is surreal. However, behind its sumptuous aromas and cozy vibes lies a cult people believe has a sinister purpose. In a June 28, 2026, Instagram post, Air Force veteran Kyle Gott (@kylegottofficial) shared a short clip of how he felt something was “off” while having food in the café. He googled it and immediately regretted going there. His suspicions, it seems, aren’t entirely baseless because people who have gone there say it's a cult — one whose agendas are not positive. Gott's video has 980,000 views on his Instagram.
Cult allegations
According to its official website, the Yellow Deli opened in May 1973 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a simple attempt to "make a change." The website states that the community believes in serving the “fruit of the Spirit” and restoring the values of grandparents that have been abandoned because of modern rules. They say that “there is a lot more to the Yellow Deli than just a great sandwich,” but as people’s accounts depict, this “lot more” is not too delicious.
In an August 26, 2025, episode of the Things I Learned Last Night (@TILLNPodcast) podcast, best friends and comedians Jaron Myers and Tim Stone revealed that the café is run by a cult named “Twelve Tribes” that is involved in uncanny activities, including child exploitation. Stone described it as having a “Hobbit village-like” atmosphere. Myers later explained that the café was founded by a man named Elbert Gene Spriggs.
He added that the organization doesn’t pay taxes and is involved in illegal practices, including withholding its employees' salaries. According to Myers, the organization believes that Jesus is going to return in 2027, and by that time, they need to put together a “Lord’s army” of 144,000 male virgins. Originally, people left their jobs and sold their possessions to be a part of the community, where they were used to raise money and not earn any income for themselves. Myers also confirmed that the Twelve Tribes are involved in selling drugs, and they have large farms where young children are beaten into child labor.
Accidental cult stopover
An August 2015 piece titled “My Accidental Sleepover With a Cult” documented the experience of Walküre, a teacher from South Korea who got accidentally sucked into a Twelve Tribes of Israel community gathering while looking for food and shelter at Stoneybrook, an organic farm near Harpers Ferry. The person noticed that the tribe discouraged external information or literature and required members to cut all contact with their friends and family.
Stockholm Syndrome
According to reports, there are ongoing FBI investigations against this cult. The BBC also reported a raid on a German community home where authorities uncovered evidence, including "small reed-like rod" that were used to hit the followers, and found rooms where abuse was taking place, including child mistreatment. Researcher Kai Thompson wrote that the cult often uses isolation from friends and family and discourages outside information, making it difficult for members to question or leave. Since children have no skills or income, they find it fearful to leave the cult and navigate life on their own, something Myers identified as the “Stockholm Syndrome.” Thompson also conducted a survey asking people whether they think that the Yellow Deli is a cult, and 38% of the participants said yes, and 49% said that they didn’t have sufficient information to answer.
'Feels a little culty'
Viewers who have visited the Yellow Deli agreed that there’s something fishy about it. @rgerber820 recalled their visit and said, “Yes! Went to one in Savannah because it was close to where we were staying and found out if you go a second time they start to ‘lay the groundwork’ with you and never went back.” @hazilrheath said, “I grew up in the cult and worked at the delis for years.” When asked how they left, they replied, “You’re welcome to leave whenever you want, but it’s not easy because if you leave, you're literally leaving with just the clothes on your back. Thankfully, I had family outside that helped me start my life again. And the rest of my family left in the years following. My parents were there for almost 20 years.”
Rumor or reality?
Despite the controversies, the Yellow Deli says these are all just “rumors” and everyone in their community possesses a “deep contentment” in their souls. “For some, this way may seem too restrictive, but to those of us who live here, it was the beam of light that revealed the solution to our dark and troubled lives,” the group writes on the website. But whether it is a gateway to the light or a door to the dark, only those who have entered it would know.
You can follow Kyle Gott (@kylegottofficial) on Instagram for more video logs.
If you know of any children who are being subjected to abuse, please contact The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at (800) 422-4453
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