The CULT that PREYS on Appalachian Trail Hikers 

When something is free than the product is you

A cult will never call themselves a cult. A con artist will never call himself a con artist.

Another RU-vidr named Reckless Ben infiltrated 12 tribes and posted the whole series to his channel. Super eye opening. These guys should be avoided if possible.

I had a hiking buddy that got injured and it took 2 weeks for him to get back to hiking. He stayed at the hostel above the yellow deli and they basically wouldn’t take his money because he was injured.

I'm one of those hikers that had a great stay at the Yellow Deli (double zero). The accommodations were clean, and the food was excellent. I was never pressured in any way. Of course, I was a 63-year-old male. I doubt they had any interest in me at all.

This is INSANE. So I’m an American living in Australia. There is a cult called The 12 Tribes here and they run a cafe called the Yellow Deli as well. It’s in Katoomba, New South Wales. That’s creepy as hell!

I went to the restaurant. They all wore demeaning bright colored uniforms, they shouted a company slogan at me when I entered, they had fake smiles, they kept mopping the floor even though it was already clean, they called themselves a "family", they also kept trying to upsell me when I ordered. The craziest part is that there are rumors they used processed meat that might not be real....oh wait....that was McDonalds.

12 Tribes has a location in Ithaca, NY where I used to live. Before I even knew about it existed, I had met a group of unbelievably nice people congregating outside of their restaurant, which was under construction. They gave me an ol-timey, serious but friendly vibe. They offered to give me a tour of inside, which I accepted. During the tour I started to realize that they lived in a community where all resources were pooled. They had roles but didn't make or spend money. Later that day, I recalled the experience to a friend and the first thing he said was "Did they invite to one of their Friday dinners?" After my friend shared a similar sentiment to the one expressed in this video (cultish reputation, to do my own research, and use good judgment), I never attended one of those dinners. And yes, the restaurant was a Yellow Deli.

Hank: "Are you guys the cult?" 12 Tribes: We're not a cult, we are an organization of 12 independent... Dale: "Yeah, this is it." 😆

My hometown was really close to a Yellow Deli and it was my High School's go-to spot to hang out. The quirky atmosphere, delicious food, and the fact they're open 24 hours a day (except for the Sabbath) made it very attractive and entertaining for hang out sessions. Some of my friends would go on these "farm tours" but like you, it was never forced or even offered; and I've been a patron well over 100 times. It's one of my go-to places to invite a visiting friend bc it's so weird to find a cult-run deli in the middle of suburban San Diego metro. As a teacher of mine once said, " I may not agree with the Yellow Deli, but God damn do they make the best sandwiches in town!"

Like Kyle said, predatory groups and individuals usually target more vulnerable people. They seem to have and extra sense for who to zone in on. It's probable Kyle wasn't singled out because he had good boundaries set before he even walked through the deli door. It could also be that the group is harmless AF, so nothing to worry about. Also, most cult abuse happens behind closed doors. To outsiders they appear benign and harmless. It's the insiders who are most at risk - children and women first and foremost, but men can easily fall prey too. Abuse can be physical, sexual, and/or psychological. Whatever the type, it's incredibly destructive for the people involved. I was entangled in spiritual cult for over 20 years so speak from experience. Cults rob people of their lives. Best to simply stay away.

The best thing about being a hiker is the urge to keep walking. Glad you did.

I grew up in a similar cult that got started in the 60s and 70s. Christian hippie-like cults were kind of a thing at that time. We lived largely off the land. Lots of abuse claims, but that will be the case any time you give people authority over other people with no accountability. ESPECIALLY when they think that authority comes from God.

I stayed at the Yellow Deli on my SOBO LT hike in ‘21 and I had a good experience. They were nice, they had loaner clothes, hiker box, laundry and it was a clean place. The people working there did not force any information on those staying there, but would answer questions people had. I personally knew about this hostel being a cult before my hike and actually wanted to check it out due to curiosity.

Most cults aren't in-your-face about recruitment to avoid friction with locals, police, families, etc... far more common to use subtle techniques like love-bombing or creating feelings of indebtedness (like offering you food or accommodation for free). They don't want to recruit everyone, only those vulnerable to their techniques - basically self-selecting targets. It’s clear they chose this location/business to access people already open to their surface-level philosophies (independent, open to new experiences & spirituality, disconnected from modern society), and though most hiker's experience is likely inoffensive & even enjoyable it’s important to remember that a commune-style cult takes the one thing from followers that hikers on-trail value most - _their autonomy._ I’d think twice before supporting a group that’s open about physically disciplining children because while the adults choose to be in the cult, the children can’t.

When I was 21, I took too many mushrooms at a music festival and 12 Tribes was running the med tent. They tried to manipulate me into leaving my job and going with them immediately, as that was what God wanted for me. Super unethical.

You should do a video on the NPS Ranger who disappeared in Kings Canyon / Sequoia along the PCT back in the 90s. Randy Morgenson. There's a great book about him called The Last Season. His life wasn't devoid of drama just before his disappearance, so people suspected foul play, suicide, or even him skipping the country (for reasons too complicated to go into here). He was born and raised in Yosemite so his whole life was devoted to the National Parks and he knew every plant, animal, and piece of history in the Sierra. When he disappeared there was the largest Search and Rescue operation ever launched, all the SAR team were his oldest friends, so it was intense. They searched and searched for a long time, but he could not be located, he seemed to have just disappeared into thin air. I won't spoil the ending but they did eventually find his body, years later.

So I had a client tell me that she was in the cult that is connected to twelve tribes and she had to leave in the middle of the night with her 2 kids bc of the way they were treating her kids. She was so scared. She got the help she needed and they set her and her kids up somewhere else. But she said it was wicked sketchy for awhile.

12 Tribes has a presence at music festivals and they used to go to Grateful Dead shows back in the day trying to recruit people. People warn you to not accept anything from them i.e. snacks, books, their propaganda but I ate some cookies and a beverage from the cult, which were actually pretty tasty. Always keep your guard up around them and stay strong.

2017: I knew they were a cult, but I have a strong mind of my own and knew I could resist joining up!! lol. I stayed with them in Rutland for two 0 days. I helped them in the restaurant one day a few hours, and at another location (group of residential houses) for lunch. They are so nice, but if you really get to talk to them individually a few of them seem very sad. I met a young couple there (at lunch), they were married and trying to get pregnant but having trouble. The girl was maybe 20, the guy early 20's. I wish I remembered her name but the interesting thing is she told me SHE USED TO BE A HIKER. She never finished her thru hike, having met this guy she married....I asked her if she ever thought about going back to the trail to finish. She said no, but seemed very forlorn. I got the impression she was shamed for not getting pregnant as quickly as expected, and also that she DID in fact think about getting the f*ck out of that place but was "married to the mob." Honestly, I still think (and worry) about her...

Had a weird experience over there 😵‍💫🚩🚩 - I hiked the long trail in September 2018 (off season). There was only one other guy staying there and we were both in the same room. He told me that he has been staying there for two weeks cause he "lost" all of his IDs over there..and that they are "helping" him to find them... It was very odd.. I slept with my id on me and with pepper spray in my hand and left very early in the morning.. They all had Hebrew names - apparently when you join the cult you need to change your name from your original name. They all had beards and their eyes were like sheep's... Spooky place It feels like they pray on the weak so lone hikers are a good audience for that.. Go there as a group and boost your confidence before going in... They smell lost ppl

I grew up watching some guys hiking youtube channel. And now he just tried recruiting me to subscribe to his channel.

I grew up around the Appalachians. Believe me when I tell you the 12 Tribes are harmless. But there are things in them mountains that are not harmless. There's just parts you don't go to. You will become confused & lost. Even government men don't go. You disappear & no one ever lay eyes on you again....just stay on the main trail.

Dude, that BUS! I was at amicalola falls a few years ago and that bus was there! I got on and looked around, and they gave me some of the best machta bars I’ve ever had. My wife and I joked that they seemed like a cult, and now I know! They WERE a cult! Holy shit!

I went to the farm voluntarily. It was fine. I am A through and through atheist and I really wasn’t concerned. At the farm they just put me to work. I’ve pulled onions out of the ground and took corn off the stock and they also fed me while I was there. It was fine. No one tried to recruit me whatsoever in fact any discussions of their religion was coming from other hikers asking questions. To be clear we were encouraged to ask questions. Just letting you know my experience since it might be interesting.

I would not stay there even if they didn't try to recruit me. It really bothers me that they don't treat women or children nicely.

My father was on the task force that raided the Island Pond group in 1984. It was toward the end of his career and I have never seen him so upset with what he saw at the Northeast Kingdom Community Church- 12 Tribes. The hostel and deli are definitely mechanisms to persuade people to join them. The abuse of children is real with this group.

I find it so weird how spanking or hitting kids is considered acceptable by way too many people. If you hit your partner or some random person you'd get arrested, the fact that they openly advertise hitting their kids is really concerning.

I worked a half block away from one of their yellow delis in CO. I will admit their food is good. However, they are intent on converting patrons to their religion. Which in itself isn’t terrible but once you discover more it becomes despicable. They all live together in a large house probably more than 20 under one roof. The women are only allowed in the basement level and the men have freedom to move between floors of the house. The women are not allowed to engage in any activities not directly involved with the religion. In order join you’ll need to donate All of your personal belongings which they promptly sell and split the proceeds with the other 12 tribes. How I know this is because I briefly worked with a guy who got sucked into their cult. After about 6 months this guys brother shows up and physically removed him from the cult house and back to the family ranch in MT. Not sure exactly the reason but clearly his family wasn’t having any of this.

I have met many of them... I have stayed at the Rutland hostel and eat at the Yellow Deli when I visit. They were actually super nice and warned me of a couple homeless kids around town that were actually messing with hikers.

I’m from vermont. I first met the rutland tribe at 16 in the nineties. They are harmless to outsiders. Pretty misogynistic and patriarchal as a community which if anything is less than delightful. Anyone that thinks they have god and salvation figured out are bound to rub others nose in it, they tend to use a subtle hint of superiority mixed with genuine kindness.

Just a few things - Backpacker and S&R leader with CAP in the past. 1. Never hike alone. 2. most through hikers think they are experts (not) make more mistakes than short hikers. Typically they now depend on cells and GPS - rarely a compass (real - not electronically) Most do not carry multiple maps. The list goes on. Never hike alone, ever for any reason Oh, in todays times - carry a satellite phone and solar charger.

Very nice job pulling this video together and doing the research. I stayed at their place in 2021 when I hiked the Long Trail...I kept an open mind going into it given some things I had heard previously. Overall everyone was very nice and even though the restaurant was closed they invited all the hikers to join their private family dinners and breakfast. I did have a sense they are very selective and likely "train" the folks that are public facing. I noticed at least one of the guys was a rather young (early to mid 20's) and was an experienced thru hiker - I felt this was almost a way to gain commonality with potential recruits..just a guess. Women were definitely much more reserved and there were a few times you could tell they were cautious what they said when they spoke. One thing that struck me as odd - a friend asked a very pointed question related to free will. It was quite clear once you joined they could essentially send you. to live/work at any of their locations and the individual basically has no say because they are serving a higher purpose. Personally I think the idea of living in a community could be nice for some folks, but when you have little to no say and no free will that's another story. I'd encourage every thru hiker to go there for the experience but do so with an open mind - don't get stuck there as some folks appeared to do when I was there. Anyway that was my experience and some things I noticed.

I love the direction you are going with your channel! Your videos have always been great but with you expanding into other genres, they're getting even better/more entertaining

The cult’s labor practices have landed it in hot water in the past - the group faced citations for failing to pay the minimum wage in California in 2008, and for child labor law violations in New York in 2018 after “Inside Edition” obtained hidden camera footage of children working in a production plant. Former member Jason Wolfe, 46, who previously lived in Colorado, said he began working construction at 13 and was running 40-man crews on commercial sites by 16. His young age was no secret; he remembered a meeting with the owner of another construction company after he turned 19. “School for the children wasn’t a real priority,” he said. “They encouraged all the kids to go to work. That was the focus.”

I live in Ithaca , NY and they used to try and get girls who were freshman to join them at the compound. They were scary and actively predatory in our town. After meeting them in person and hearing and what they do with their children is horrific. They scared us and still are tryna get back and as a victim of violence I am scared. They would keep the children in the back and they operate or did a restaurant called Mate Factor where they advertised their (highly caffeinated) mate and gave it to the girls for free then invited back to the compound. We heard bad things about folks who went and the abuse they commit. We are scared of them. And I grew up near Harpers Ferry where they are targeting. Coming from my experiencein Ithaca and seeing their children and wives in the back and pressing for their grand 144,000 ideal.

I lived in Burlington VT for about 6 years and we always referred to them as the "Island Ponders". They would come down from the North East Kingdom of VT and hang out on the weekends, often putting on dances and such. I always thought they were harmless. You would also see them on Grateful Dead tour back in the 80's and 90's and later they started touring with Phish. They would travel around in Peace Maker and provide medical help to kids on tour that had over done it and were all spun out. They clearly preyed on the kids that lived on tour and tried to indoctrinate them into their way of life. It's an easy sell when you are penniless and full of drugs. I too have heard of abuse issues sporadically over the years and they have been met with a lot of resistance by Phish fans over the last few years as a result and I have not seen them there recently. In the end, I'm not sure how dangerous they really are as Vermont is a small place and I would have heard more about it if so, but they are definitely unique and do actively recruit.

Hey Kyle - 2018 AT, 2019 LT, 2021-2022 PCT hiker here. I stayed at the Rutland Yellow Deli on both my AT and LT hikes. Few things stood out for me - 1: I had to have a guy friend get me a pair of shorts to wear while doing laundry because the female room only had dresses and skirts to wear. 2: The people who worked there were very nice - in fact almost too nice. I didn’t have any recruitment issues (probably because I’m a middle aged woman) but one younger female friend went to work at the farm for a day and felt some pressure. 3: While a little strange after sharing sleeping areas with men for months, it was a little nice to have a separate space for a night - seemed to be less snoring :-) Oh yeah, and the food is really good.

So, having been raised in Vermont…I’m well aware of this group. “Spare the rod & spoil the child” was the term I heard was used when the raid happened. Locally, their called the “Moonies”, and there was a group located 15 min away from my last residence in the NE Kingdom of VT (way up north right on the border with Canada) where some still live & operate a deli. The sandwiches are straight up damn good. They have a very strong work ethic, won’t steal yet require rides as they don’t own vehicles. No easy feat in Vermont let alone the Kingdom. From my understanding the religious aspect is very close to Mennonites. I’ve had interactions with some & never felt like I was being stalked or anything strange. Is it fair to believe that they use their deli’s & hiker way stations as a means of “recruiting”, yeah. Are they going to try to induce you to stay with their hypnotic powers…no, not likely. I think they’re mostly hippies who were “reborn”, and are practicing their beliefs to the best of their abilities. Like any organization strength in numbers. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay there at all. It’s pretty much up to the individual, at least from my own local perspective and limited exposure. As for Rutland, Vermont…that’s really the most dangerous part of this leg. The “city” itself…not sandwich making hippies that don’t even use drugs. IMO, no big worry here. Just stay as you need, be respectful, recharge and head out!

It's sad that in out times random acts of kindness have to have an evil motive behind them not just be appreciated

I remember reading about a thru hiker who joined the group. Their parents tried to get them to leave. Anyone remember this story?

Just what I’m needing today! A good laugh. A year ago today I lost my mom, and she use to watch your videos with me, no worries, she cld not hear very well so mostly didn’t get all the words! Lol! She did say you were a nice looking kid! 😂 You actually gave her a shout out on a live. Thank you, Dorothy 😁

Honestly, it just sounds more like a commune of traditionalists rather than a cult. It's just that modern civilization is so detached from this type of thing they view it with suspicion.

I dig the fact that you try to keep impartial as that is super important in life. With that said yeah cult, here in Colorado they are suspected of starting a fire that took out a whole neighborhood. The town of Superior, near Boulder Colorado. Great videos sir!❤

I’ve watched videos from members who finally got out of this cult and it’s really scary what they went through and how hard life was for them I’d be very leery of this group

In biblical times, the men wore “dresses” too, if you want to get technical about it. I find it interesting that cults often only impose strict clothing requirements on the women and not the men.

I have once expressed an interest in thru hiking the AT. I have read a book about one man’s experience thru hiking the AT. He was in Tennessee when this event happened. He got off the trail and caught a ride with two men. One of the men invited him to sit in the front passenger seat while the other sat in the backseat. He insisted on sitting in the back seat with the other man. He had heard stories about hikers getting hurt or killed by supposedly friendly people who offer rides into town. He had a .38 revolver in his pocket and he was ex military. But he advised against having a gun on the trail because the gun and ammunition will weigh a hiker down. The guys were racist and they didn’t hide it. Going with friends on either a thru hike or a section hike is safer because of the strength in numbers. I think I remember the 12 Tribes group story in 1984. If I can recall the story of the raid was featured on the ABC show 20/20. It sounds like you had an interesting time with the folks there. Have a great day. Stay safe. Peace.

My son, 26 was up in Rutland checking out train lines. He never mentioned the cult but said he definitely got those weird vibes. Lots of woods around to get lost in kind of thing. And we’re from PA so he’s been on plenty of hikes to abandoned tunnels & such.

A few years ago I spent an evening on their ship when it was docked in Albany. It was a spooky experience. Too much to go into here except to say the women and children never spoke and looked very unhappy. I've been to the deli and hung out at the hostel (did not stay over night) and enjoyed it each time. The guy in charge at the hostel did try to recruit me as a shuttle driver when he learned I was a trail angel but understood when I said "no" when I told him I lived in Albany. Overall, good experiences but I suspect that if I were female I would have my guard up and be more cautious when interacting with the tribe.

Last summer my friends and I called them and asked questions about yellow deli and we slipped in a few questions about their communities trying to see if they would try to recruit us but they didn't! The woman was very nice and just answered our questions about the restaurant and where the community that works there is located. We were surprised they didn't preach to us or try to recruit, though I can see why they might choose not to over the phone for several reasons.

Me and my trail buddy "bag bowl" stayed here and we kept asking about the cult dues. They were pretty nice to us. We let them know from the start that we were both raised catholics and not really into our faith anymore. We did not feel too pressed to do anything we did not want to do. I think bag bowl stayed a few extra days😂 . I miss you bag bowl. O.e.j. 💙

I’ve had a few run ins with the 12 Tribes cult in Colorado. They run a deli in Mantitou Springs and in Boulder. I have been to both and both times I didn’t realize it was a cult (or the same cult) until I was already ordering food. Both times a man approached me with a leaflet and explained they had a farm nearby where they grew all the food. They explained that there was a family of people who tended to the garden and the store in order to keep the family busy 24hrs a day. It was phrased really peculiarly so red flags went up. In both instances I was invited to see the farm, but I told them I had plans already. Plus I wasn’t going to leave with a strange man. The food was extremely good. After leaving the restaurants I looked up reviews on Google to see if anyone else had bizarre experiences. That’s how I figured out it was a cult. On another note, the 12 Tribes in Boulder are being held partially responsible for the Marshall fire which burned down a neighborhood in the Denver suburbs. They had decided to burn their trash on a very windy day.

I enjoyed my stay with them in Rutland Vt. on my AT thru hike. The food at the yellow deli was awesome. I never once felt like they were trying to recruit me, though I suppose it could be very subtle.

I posit that hikers are already a “weird, religious, hippy-like cult”. Particularly UL 😂

At music festivals they have a very bad reputation of drugging people and trying to convince them to never contact friends or family agian and come away with them. It's common knowledge of you see the big red bus to stay very far away. I'm actually shocked to see so many people saying they're super chill when everyone I've met who had an encounter were all negative.

A friend became a Moonie back in the 70's. It was very difficult for him to get out of that cult. They used high-pressure to keep him in, 'You gotta do this Bobby, it all depends on you'. Cults will weaken a person via a low protein diet. The brain is not as quick and strong as it could be. You can't debate or argue as well when you get into indoctrination group discussions, kind of struggle sessions where whatever beliefs you have are crushed in what appears a logical way. But the debaters are super pros, super trained, and their victims are not aware of this or even imagined it existed. So, does the Yellow Deli serve meat or fish? It was meat eating that grew our stone age ancestors brains to eventually become the apex monsters we are.

Loved it! I have read other thru hikers talk about the Yellow Deli clan. Really appreciate your new information you're putting out! No one is doing this type of vlog/video Keep it up!!!

Right off the bat I'd say they're offering a bed and taking all the converts they can get. There are very few things in this world that's free or atleast the person or group that's offering don't have some kind of ulterior motive. That's something everybody should learn early as possible in life. Nothings free but a mothers love and some aren't even that lucky

One thing about cults is it varies. If you are a young man or woman you are a prime target especially if you are unmarried or disillusioned. take caution no matter waht

My favorite part of staying at the Yellow Deli was wearing the loner clothes that are a carbon copy of what their members wear. I really felt immersed into their culture.

With this series I’d love to see a video on “medic” given that as far as I’m aware he’s still out there preying on people and heard of sightings on the PCT last year when I was attempting my thru hike

There a 12 tribes community just outside my town, and a yellow deli in town. I can tell you for a fact that they do prey on vulnerable young people, such a s hikers, travellers, high teens at festivals etc. They are super shady and abusive, do not get mixed up with these people, they are dangerous.

I met the 12 tribes in Manitou springs Colorado. I loved the fact their cafe was open 24/7(came in clutch in those cold nights when I had nowhere to sleep) but they're very misogynistic

Nothing new. When I was a kid, I used to go to punk / hardcore shows on the East Coast and the Krishnas used be at the shows and they tried to get us to go to their "Sunday Brunch" and stay at their temple. Several folks / band members, in the "scene" joined up. A few are still involved and advocate for the group to this very day.

There's a sect in Plymouth, MA, too. Great food. They've driven that big funky bus down to my local hiking trails in Taunton, MA and basically just invited tons of people in to tour and check it out, never actually heading out onto trails, themselves. I could tell right away it was a cult, so I was polite, but limited my interaction. Some of the women on the bus seemed sad though, so I was genuinely uncomfortable.

I stayed at the Yellow Deli when they had a community dinner. It was a concerning experience. Every table had 4-5 hikers with 2-3 YD members. I spoke with a mother and her 18 year old daughter. Both of them were very subdued. The daughter had the emotional intelligence of a 12-13 year old. It was really jarring. It's clearly a very patriarchal community. And I really question the gene pool and how far that goes. They are kind of like the Amish community, but this group seemed like a way more extreme version of it. I also remember it being common knowledge that if you join the group you have to relinquish control of your finances. If you are young female hiker of breeding age, expect to be cornered at some point by one of the members. Food and bedding were both great, and it's at an incredible location with bars, grocery store, and Walmart within a 1/4 mile. I just felt a Lil gross after staying there. I would be surprised if there wasn't some actual fucked up shit going on behind the scenes

12 Tribes also attends music festivals. They have been seen attending in that red bus you mentioned and that they will invite you on and try to convert you with kindness and gifts. I attend Electric Forest most years and one year a man dissapered and was never heard of again, rumor is he joined them.

They are still under investigation for starting the Marshall Fire in CO about a year ago.

They target transients, hippies, and spunions. Festivals, hippie towns, ect.. they probably choose their targets wisely. they have existed for a long time as a cult/centralized community.

Fun fact you see these guys at concerts and musical festivals. They lure kids who are having bad trips delicious cookies and the coolest bus you’ve ever seen. Then when you’re coming down they start talking about god a whole lot and the bud you’re on is already half way to the yellow deli. Then they make put you in forced sobriety and work for zero money and they beat the kids

Just remember that FREE PUPPIES are very expensive.

Bro this video should have 100k views already. Amazing work don’t stop 🔥

I will say this. I am a adult male who is single and has no children. I have lived in households were multiple people chipped in for the rent we were roommates. I've lived in homes with one other roommate and I've lived in homes with up to 5 other roommates. I live alone now but I could see in the future wanting to get another household with roommates and possibly one that had a spot to do some farming and workshop type stuff I think it's just a smart idea. I am more and more alerted to this type of activity though because I don't just see why more people can't live together without being all cult like

So, I'm from Lancaster,NH they had Simon the tanner, yellow delli and a hostel nearby to where I lived. I was a child family thought they were decent people because they were warm and welcoming. They started creating a vendetta against me when I started asking specifics someone I worked with with dams I spoke to him. He said they're beyond evil stay away.

Another good video. They had the big bus at a road crossing in GA close to trail kickoff last year to do trail magic. We were driving by so we stopped to chat up some new hikers. There was a small child with them who had a black eye. I felt terrible about it and looking back wonder if I could have done something more to help.

Nice, non-objective summary of the organization. Thank you. Tara Treks provided a more in-depth documentary on them a year ago. From what I recall, any parent had the right to discipline your child with no objection/explanation whatsoever. That sounds a lot like child abuse to me. 😧

Hi Kyle,I lived very close to thos lot in Devon England, they mostly a chilled but I met the boss the founder ,he's a loon and all of the kids there were scared ! I had horses grazing on their paddocks ,I was there once with my 2year old daughter and he the boss came over and started ranting about Satan, having some good trains help me and he got put on his arse ! My daughter and are horses left that day .easily lead people flock to that sort of bs.keep them away from kids and struggling people they prey on them .

A friend and I stayed at the yellow deli (double zero) during our SOBO thru-hike in 2016. We had already researched a little about the Yellow Deli and that they had locations globally. We were curious and thought it would be interesting to learn more about the 12 tribes. It was a strange but pleasant stay and they didn't push anything on us. The guy running the place was extremely nice and humble and we actually were the ones asking him questions about how their community worked and worship details. I can't say who is right or wrong especially if they believe something fully and joyfully. These people seemed happy. We were invited to eat dinner with what may have been close to 100 of these folks all in one giant room. We ate and all the people danced and sang, played live music and kinda did what I would call a "Joy Show" rather than a talent show for entertainment. We couldn't believe how happy these people seemed to be. There were all ages from elders to new borns. They dressed in clothes from a time long ago with the women wearing long dresses and bonnets in mostly plain colors like beiges and light browns. We knew that we were different than these people and I felt something like an intruder inside these generous people's home. The bulk of them felt like they didn't care if we were there or not and ignored us in their own delightful ways of life. We didn't know what to say and maybe they didn't either. It was like my friend and I went back in time and felt the clash between the times. It was a culture learning experience if nothing else and we enjoyed our time at the yellow deli and were very thankful for a much needed couple days rest and good healthy food at the price of free. They asked for nothing but we put a handful of bills in a donation drop they had, thanked the good man in charge there for everything they provided us, shook hands and then we resupplied down the road and returned to the trail. I'll never forget that experience and I thank them for that glimpse into a foreign way of life. Thanks, Yellow Deli!!

I live in Rutland VT and I actually live nearly across the street from where alot of the members live. I've gone to the yellow deli a few times to eat, the food is def amazing. They seem like nice people and my sisters best friend even got invited to one of their weddings.

If it’s too good to be true then it probably is.

The word CULT should tell you all you need to know.

They are scary and crazy.They ran a restaurant in Dorchester MA where I used to live. They got mad one day when I refused a drink as I was walking by the restaurant. My housemate warned me about them beforehand and when I went to the laundromat I would have to pass their restaurant. I just remember being confronted by a man I perceived as their leader and he scared me. He was angry and I quickly walked away. They are also racist

I've eaten at The Yellow Deli. The food is extremely good and *cheap* and the people are really nice. They are also very tired and often sad. When I found out it was a cult, I refused to eat there anymore. A friend of mine lives across the street from one of their houses and befriended a young woman member. The woman wanted to leave the cult, but couldn't. I do wonder if the people are even paid for their labor at the deli, or if it's all "volunteer."

this was super interesting, because there's a Yellow Deli here in Australia that I've visited. It's in an artsy/hippyish town called Katoomba, up in the Blue Mountains just outside of Sydney. I actually had no idea they started in the US and have so many locations worldwide. The one I visited looked just like the interior of the one you showed in this video, like the decor/design is pretty much identical. I knew vaguely about it being linked to a cult of some kind when I went there because my friends & locals mentioned it, but like you said they weren't pushy or anything and their food was really good (and cheap, for Katoomba). I did get a bit of a weird vibe in there though, so got my food to go :P

There's a coffee shop/Cafe in Manitou springs, Colorado owned by this cult. I always got weird vibes interacting with the people working there, there was always an older guy at the register who was talkative and smiley, but the women would never make eye contact or engage in conversation.. interesting people 🤔

This sounds dangerous. If I ever join a cult it will definitely be because they had amazing food.

“The leader puts kids in cages and throws darts at them”. I was told by a person whom knows the leader.

We have a Yellow Deli here in NC but I've not had a chance to visit. It DOES appear they are continuing to grow. There is a hiking/climbing spot near the one hear in NC. Perhaps I can give you an update at some point.

When I was there on my thruhike I met a young lady working at the Yellow deli, early 20s maybe? Who said she was hiking sobo on the AT and when she got to the Yellow deli she just... never left. lol. And she was really excited telling everyone she's getting married soon, telling everyone to come to her wedding. My trail family was joking a lot about how they all talk with a weird cadence and strange stare & how their Yerba mate is spiked with something, lol. I would go again. Great food and my friends and I did a yellow deli resupply challenge to Hanover. Yum.

As dude who grew up in rutland we all just let them exist because they made rlly good sandwiches and we had like no other food options- they’re closed now, but that deli was bomb.

This is so crazy to see cause my fiancé and I have lived in Chattanooga for a couple years now after moving from Atlanta, and we’ve visited their restaurant the Yellow Deli cause I’m a vegetarian and our friends recommended it.. I thought it was cool til I looked into the background and holy hell it’s literally a cult.

I stayed there and it was great. The food was amazing and amenities were very good too. Also the staff was always helpful and pleasant to interact with. Very chill people.

I remember that bus at Grateful Dead concerts in the 90s. Was warned to avoid the 'Yoshuas'. Now I see why. Bus was pretty cool though.

Another great informational video, Kyle. I remember the raid in Vt in Island Pond. What a mess! They got off on a technicality😮

Excellent craftsman and good food! If you ever have the chance you should eat at the deli. They have been around for a long time. They definitely want to take in the lost. My encounters with them have been harmless but still it’s awkward vibes.

I am very familiar with them. I first encountered them while I was a tour guide at Luray Caverns. They were attempting to start a community near Harrisonburg, VA with some folks from the Rutland community. I later attended a small liberal arts college (now defunct) in Poultney, VT, and they used to come to the campus and try to recruit. They are...interesting. Apparently harmless on the surface, but appearances are deceiving.

Man wish I knew about this place when I was homless

Went there once to eat, while in Vermont, on someones recommendation. Can't remember much about the food, but the moment we walked in the door my spidey senses went on red alert. When we left, my girl said she had the same strange feelings.

Omg, I would totally stay with them! What a fascinating adventure! I'd only go to their farm if I were with somebody. But I doubt I'd be invited cause I'm not their type. I've eaten at the Yellow deli in Boulder, Co a number of times with only the minimal interaction one has when at a restaurant. I had heard of others eating there and being invited to events.

If the deli is connected to the hospital I can see why the hostel is free cause I actually just trying to bring people in to buy stuff from the deli which is a great business model now as far as recruiting that could also be possible but just the hostile giving away free rooms so people come in for breakfast once and dinner is why I think they do it