What is the name of Lorelai's first workplace in the hospitality industry?

The Independence Inn is Lorelai Gilmore's first major workplace in the hospitality industry.

Lorelai begins working at the Independence Inn after leaving her parents' home and raising Rory. She eventually becomes the inn's manager, while Sookie works there as chef and Michel works at the front desk. The inn is located in Stars Hollow and serves as the setting for many early workplace storylines.

Lorelai later leaves the Independence Inn with Sookie to open the Dragonfly Inn. The distinction matters because the two inns represent successive stages of Lorelai's career: first managing an established property, then owning a business with her closest friend. The Independence Inn eventually closes after a fire.