FILE - In this June 28, 2011 file photo, actor Patrick Dempsey attends the "Transformers: Dark Of The Moon'" premiere in Times Square in New York. Dempsey announced on Wed., Dec. 26, 2012, that he is leading a group attempting to save hundreds of jobs by buying Seattle based Tully's Coffee. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File)
December 26, 2012 - 2:08 PM
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Patrick Dempsey says he wants to rescue a coffee house chain and more than 500 jobs.
The "Grey's Anatomy" star said Wednesday he's leading a group attempting to buy Tully's Coffee. The Seattle-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October.
Dempsey said he's excited about the chance to help hundreds of workers and give back to Seattle.
The actor has a strong TV tie to the city: He plays Dr. Derek Shepherd on "Grey's Anatomy," the ABC drama set at fictional Seattle Grace Hospital.
Tully's has 47 company-run stores in Washington and California, as well as five franchised stores and 58 licensed locations in the U.S.
Any sale would have to be approved by a judge. A bankruptcy court hearing is set for Jan. 11 in Seattle.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012