Actor Patrick Dempsey wants to buy Tully's Coffee, save 500 jobs

LOS ANGELES — Actor Patrick Dempsey of TV's Grey's Anatomy announced Wednesday that he is leading a group attempting to save hundreds of jobs by buying Seattle-based Tully's Coffee.

Tully's, a 20-year old Seattle institution with more than 500 employees, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, placing the company's employees at risk for losing their jobs shortly after the New Year.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to save hundreds of jobs, give back to Seattle and become a larger part of the economic growth and fabric of the community," said Dempsey. "I've always loved this city, and with the purchase of Tully's Coffee, I plan to spend a lot of time in Seattle and at the stores connecting with the community and growing the Tully's brand. It looks like Seattle may be my home away from home in the very near future."

Dempsey has strong ties to Seattle, where he raised close to half a million dollars for Seattle Children's Hospital and was later honored for his fundraising efforts by the King County Council in 2010.

Tully's operates 47 locations in Washington and California with numerous other franchises across the country.

A sale of the company must be approved by Judge Karen Overstreet of the United States Bankruptcy Court in Seattle at a hearing scheduled for January 11.

>>> Do you like the idea of Dempsey buying Tully's? Let us know on Facebook. Would you visit Tully's more if Dempsey owned it? Vote in our poll.

KIRO