Fifteen years ago, Stephany Traylor and her husband Glen packed up their lives and moved to the Yampa Valley, chasing the dream of launching a ski rental delivery business. That dream became a reality, and for nearly a decade, they built a thriving company. But when the time came to sell just before the pandemic hit Stephany wasn’t finished building. With young children in tow and a deep love for this mountain town, she turned to her Seattle roots and opened what would soon become much more than just a coffee shop. Dusky Grouse Coffee has grown into a central hub for warmth, community, and connection.
As a certified Recovery Friendly Workplace and recognized as a safe space for all, Dusky Grouse hosts recovery events for The Health Partnership, CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness) support groups, and monthly coffee gatherings for Yampa Valley Pride and Queer Futures. The coffee shop partners with organizations like Advocates, Integrated Community, United Way, and STAND. They provide free coffee for many organizations including for the Steamboat Running Series races, teachers, City camp counselors, The Foundry, Steamboat Christian Church, KEXP Radio, and many more! Dusky Grouse supports local artists by allowing them to display and sell their art for no fee, and it hosts the Death Café for people to discuss death in a safe, open environment.
Stephany is proud of Steamboat Little Givers, a youth-led initiative she started that encourages children to fundraise and give back. “It’s been going long enough now that we can start to see that habit of giving starting to form,” she says. “And what’s more powerful than a community full of eager, passionate kids that GIVE?!”
Dusky Grouse’s impact is far-reaching, but Stephany is most proud of being able to create a safe space for so many people. “When you give, you show that you care and it opens up doors (literally and figuratively) for those who may live with fear, uncertainty, anxiety.”
With heart, purpose, and community spirit, Stephany Traylor is helping shape a more connected and compassionate Yampa Valley. And for that, we are proud to honor Dusky Grouse Coffee as the 2025 Business Philanthropist of the Year.
