The Independence Inn was the first Inn that Lorelai worked at as a teenaged mother. She started as a maid, and worked her way up to executive manager. In addition to Lorelai, the staff included the chef, Sookie, and Michel Gerard, who ran the desk. It was owned by Mia until the inn was severely damaged by a terrible fire. Afterwards, it was not reopened, leading Sookie and Lorelai to start a temporary catering business, eventually opening their own inn with Michel, the Dragonfly Inn. During its day, The Independence Inn hosted many events in its dining hall, such as fashion shows, weddings, the famous Bracebridge Dinner and the annual gathering of the Edgar Allen Poe Society.