Patrick Dempsey leading buyer’s group for Tully’s Coffee

LOS ANGELES (AP) — 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. There are two Tully’s locations in Spokane. Any sale would have to be approved by a judge. A bankruptcy court hearing is set for Jan. 11 in Seattle.