The Dragonfly Cafe: More Than Coffee, Community, and Second Chances in Guilderland Center, New York
By Chanell Dedrick, Co-Founder of Iron Bean Coffee Company
If you ever find yourself traveling through the Capital Region of New York, somewhere between Albany, Guilderland, Voorheesville, Altamont, and Schenectady, there is a place worth slowing down for.
Tucked away at 457 Route 146, Suite 8, in Guilderland Center, New York, you'll find The Dragonfly Cafe.
And after visiting, I can tell you this.
It's much more than a coffee shop.
How Family and Coffee Brought Us Together
Sometimes life has a funny way of bringing things full circle.
Through my own Ancestry journey, I recently discovered another half-brother and had the opportunity to meet him and some of his family. As we've been getting to know one another, his daughter Jenna reached out because one of her best friends, Stefanie, was opening The Dragonfly Cafe and wanted to learn more about serving Iron Bean Coffee.
That connection meant more to me than she probably realized.
Fred and I are originally from New York. Long before there was a roastery, a coffee truck, or Iron Bean Nation, there was simply a dream. New York is where our family roots are, where many of our memories were made, and where the dream of Iron Bean first began.
Although Iron Bean Coffee Company is based in Ohio today, our children, grandchildren, and so many people we love are still back home in New York.
Part of our dream was always to have a little coffee shop back home someday.
So when Jenna and Stefanie reached out about serving Iron Bean Coffee, it felt special. It felt like bringing a little piece of home back to where our journey began.
And I think that's one of the reasons Stefanie wanted to bring us on board. She learned where our roots were, and our story began. She wanted to support not only a coffee company, but also a family whose dream began in the same place where she is building hers.
Sometimes life has a funny way of bringing things full circle.
Meet Stefanie
The Dragonfly Cafe is the dream of Stefanie, a mom of three: Luca, Gabby, and Leo.
Stefanie has recently shared her life story on her Facebook Page. She was adopted into a wonderful family and had the opportunity to meet her biological parents. She has also shared about difficult seasons in her life, and the depression and trauma that led her to search for purpose outside of simply being “Mom.”
And I say that carefully, because being a mom is one of life's greatest blessings.
But sometimes we all need something that reminds us who we are. Something that gives us purpose. Something that allows us to create.
Before The Dragonfly Cafe, Stephanie started Ella's Fairytale, making faux leather bows. Over time, her creativity grew into something bigger.
Funny enough, she admits she never used to like coffee. Having kids changed that. Then meeting her best friend, who taught her the ins and outs of coffee and still teaches her new things today, made her fall in love with the art of it.
The Dragonfly Cafe is inspired by Gilmore Girls meets fairy garden, and honestly, I think that describes it perfectly.
Stefanie and her daughter watched every episode together, and to this day, her daughter still sings the theme song.
Stefanie shares her own life's ups and downs and keeps regular updates on the progress and day-to-day activities of The Dragon Fly Cafe on her Facebook Page. Her messages are inspiring and supportive and can definitely help others on their own journeys. She is a REAL person, and that's what we love about her!
Following a Passion
Opening a business isn't easy.
Anyone who owns one knows that.
There are long days, expenses nobody sees, and moments when you wonder if you're crazy for trying.
But every time I checked Stefanie's Facebook page, I could see her pouring herself into this place.
New displays.
New products.
New ideas.
Little touches here and there.
You can tell she's building this place with love.
One day, one idea, and one cup of coffee at a time.
More Than Just Coffee
The first thing I noticed was that The Dragonfly Cafe isn't just a coffee shop.
Stefanie has created a place.
A place where people can slow down.
A place where local makers and artists have a home.
A place where families can gather.
Walking inside feels warm and inviting.
It doesn't feel manufactured.
It feels loved.
I loved the outdoor seating area. It feels like the kind of place where you could sit with a coffee and lose track of time talking with a friend.
Supporting Local and Handmade
One thing I loved was seeing how many local makers and small businesses are represented inside the cafe.
Handmade purses.
Beautiful candles.
Jewelry.
Crochet items.
Children's clothing.
Unique gifts.
Everywhere I looked, there was something made with love and a story behind it.
It felt less like walking into a business and more like stepping into a community.
I loved that Stefanie wasn't trying to create just another coffee shop.
She's building something much bigger than that.
Coffee, Community, and a Little Piece of Home
Even though Iron Bean Coffee Company is based in Ohio today, our roots are in Upstate New York. That's where our lives started. That's where the dream began, where our family still lives today. Stefanie is definitely supporting local.
And that's one of the reasons The Dragonfly Cafe means so much to me.
It feels like a little piece of home.
When I visited, Stefanie was still waiting for her final inspection before the grand opening. But she was already making drinks so people could sample what she would be serving.
And I heard the compliments.
People were saying how good the coffee was, and you could tell she was already finding her groove.
Four Paws Matter Rescue
Another thing I love is Stefanie's connection with Four Paws Matter Rescue.
The Dragonfly Cafe helps connect families with rescue puppies.
Coffee.
Community.
Local vendors.
Events.
Rescue puppies.
Honestly, that's a pretty special combination.
Why Stories Matter
At Iron Bean, we have a coffee called Rage Against the Dying of the Light.
To us, that means not giving up.
Bad days happen.
Hard seasons happen.
But you keep going.
Not because it's easy.
Because there is still light worth fighting for.
That's what I see in Stefanie.
She's raising three children, building a dream, and creating a place where people feel welcome.
And sometimes that's exactly what people need to see.
Someone else is still trying.
Someone else is still building.
Someone else is still choosing hope.
And Then There Was Biscuit
This trip became special for another reason.
When I first walked into The Dragonfly Cafe, I noticed the puppies from Four Paws Matter Rescue.
One little guy reminded me so much of Rufus, only tiny.
Before I knew it, he had stolen my heart.
I picked up my phone and called Fred on Messenger.
The moment he answered, he could see it all over my face.
I didn't even have to say much.
He just smiled and said, “Fill out the application.”
And that was that.
I stayed a couple more days in New York with my daughter and grandchildren. During that time, my granddaughter met the puppy and immediately decided on his name - Biscuit.
He had another name, but he was still young, and somehow Biscuit just fit.
Then came the ten-hour drive back home to Ohio.
I wondered how Rufus and Chewy would react.
Turns out, I worried for nothing.
Within no time at all, Biscuit had everybody wrapped around his little paw.
Watching him with the boys makes me laugh. He may be the smallest one, but he definitely doesn't know it.
Biscuit was welcomed in like a new little brother.
So yes, I went to The Dragonfly Cafe for coffee, spent time with my daughter and grandchildren, and somehow came home with a puppy!
Honestly, I couldn't have planned it any better.
Sometimes Life Works Out That Way
Looking back now, I realize I didn't just visit a coffee shop.
I found a beautiful little cafe created by a hardworking mom with a dream.
I saw local vendors being supported.
I saw coffee bringing people together.
I made memories.
And somehow, without planning it, I came home with Biscuit.
Sometimes life works out that way.
You stop for coffee.
And leave with memories you'll smile about for years.
Planning Your Visit
The Dragonfly Cafe
457 Route 146, Suite 8
Guilderland Center, NY 12085
Phone: (518) 595-5017
Conveniently located for visitors from Albany, Guilderland, Voorheesville, Altamont, Schenectady, and throughout New York's Capital Region.
Follow The Dragonfly Cafe on Facebook for updates, events, and information about their June 28, 2026 Grand Opening.
About the Author
Fred and Chanell Dedrick are the husband-and-wife team behind Iron Bean Coffee Company. Based in Ohio with roots in upstate New York, they have spent years building a community around fresh-roasted coffee, family, and meaningful connections.
Their passion for coffee has introduced them to remarkable people and small businesses across the country, but many of their family ties and memories remain in New York, where the dream of Iron Bean first began.
Through the Iron Bean Coffee blog, Chanell enjoys sharing stories about the people and places that make coffee more than just a drink. Whether it's a cafe owner chasing a dream, a family-run business, or a chance encounter that turns into something special, she believes some of life's greatest blessings are found in the connections we make with others.
And sometimes, those connections come with a puppy named Biscuit.
