Turkey Sandwiches with a Side of a Cult?

In inland North County, in the city of Vista, sits one of the most popular and controversial restaurants: The Yellow Deli. The Yellow Deli brings you into another world, it seems. The 24-hour deli serves primarily vegetarian dishes with decor that can best be described as boho meets Amish hippy decor. They’re open every day of the week except for the Sabbath. 

Upon entering, you’re greeted by the all woman staff, who are dressed in floor-length dresses or skirts paired with their long, braided hair and little-to-no makeup. By the looks of the inside, and the cute folksy writing on the menu, the place is at first, seemingly innocent. 

The menu looks like a fairytale book, with bold statements located at the bottom stating, “we serve the fruit of the spirit at the deli.” Interesting, isn’t it? Scattered around the deli are pamphlets that boldly say “NOT A TRACT; THIS IS AN INVITATION.” 

The Yellow Deli is allegedly part of a primarily Christian sect called “The Twelve Tribes Community,” also known as, “The Community.” Founded in the early 70’s in Chattanooga, Tennessee by a man named Elbert Gene Spriggs, who is the sect’s unprofessed prophet (allegedly). It all started as Bible lessons in a small town restaurant in Tennessee; now, it has evolved into a multi-national religious corporation that has over 75 properties in over nine countries. Every new employee is a new member, and vice versa, which gives opportunity for expansion. The religious sect operates a chain of Yellow Delis, schools, farms, bakeries, and other businesses. They even have their own construction company, along with their own manufacturing companies that produce soaps, body lotions, candles, and furniture.

While sitting at my table eating a delicious sandwich and observing the kind staff, it is difficult to imagine how anyone could idolize and follow a man like Spriggs. His narrative includes a lot of hate speech; he has allegedly preached about the positive benefits of slavery, once saying “It is horrible that someone would rise up to abolish slavery- what a wonderful opportunity that blacks could be brought over here as slaves… if slaves were mistreated it was the fault of the slaves.” It is alleged he has promoted other doctrines that include misogyny and a fixed nature towards child abuse as discipline. “It’s not optional (beating children); it’s a command.” Those who do not physically punish their children are “liberal parents who are working with Satan’s angels bringing in lawlessness and ultimately the anti-Christ. These beliefs and statements are from leaked copies of the church’s Child Training Manual; over 300 pages of how-to’s regarding physical abuse towards children. Nearly impossible to believe that a seemingly happy-go-lucky sandwich shop could have a darker underbelly working its operations. 

As I sat and ate some salad and persimmon pound cake, listening to the flute folk-like music, I observed the other patrons and wondered if anyone noticed or felt the cult-like vibe. If you sit long enough and observe everything and everyone, there is definitely something “different” going on. But one thing is for sure: the food is great, the staff is friendly, and the space is inviting and fun. 

There is a second Yellow Deli in Valley Center. Both locations seem to be very popular and have great reviews on Yelp.


The Yellow Deli
315 East Broadway
Vista, CA 92084
(760) 631-1888
https://yellowdeli.com/

 

Erica Howell

I am a San Diego native fascinated by mysticism, beauty, health and mystery.  I love to incorporate my passions throughout my reporting and writing. I look forward to meeting new businesses and people around town!

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