What is the name of the inn where Lorelai works before opening the Dragonfly?

Lorelai works at the Independence Inn before opening the Dragonfly Inn. She begins there in a housekeeping role after leaving her parents’ Hartford home with young Rory.

The Independence Inn is managed by Mia, who becomes an important supportive figure in Lorelai’s life. Lorelai eventually rises to become the inn’s executive manager, demonstrating her hospitality skills and independence from her wealthy family.

Lorelai’s closest friend, Sookie St. James, works there as the chef. Their professional partnership develops into the plan to purchase and renovate the Dragonfly Inn, which becomes the main business venture of the later series.

The Independence Inn is destroyed by a fire in the series, accelerating Lorelai and Sookie’s move toward operating the Dragonfly. The two inns therefore represent different stages of Lorelai’s professional journey.