( CNN ) -- `` Grey 's Anatomy '' star Patrick Dempsey believes he and a group of investors are just what the doctor ordered for a struggling Seattle-based coffee chain . Dempsey said the group wants to save 500 jobs by purchasing Tully 's Coffee , which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October . The company , citing `` rising commodity prices and challenging lease economics , '' said it planned to close a number of underperforming coffee shop locations as part of its reorganization . `` 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 , '' the actor said in a statement released Wednesday . Tully 's Coffee confirmed Thursday that Dempsey is part of an investment group , but had no comment on the effort . `` We will know by 5 ( p , m . ) today how many bids have been submitted , '' marketing director Diane Geurts said . `` The ( bankruptcy ) auction takes place on January 3 and the final hearing is on January 11 . '' The hunky Dempsey plays Derek Shepherd , nicknamed `` Dr. McDreamy , '' on the TV series . The medical drama 's setting is Seattle . `` 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 , '' Dempsey said . `` It looks like Seattle may be my home away from home in the very near future . '' According to Dempsey , Tully 's Coffee operates 47 locations in Washington and California with other franchises across the country . The bankruptcy filing did not affect Tully 's Coffee online sales and wholesale business , which were purchased in 2009 by Green Mountain Coffee Roasters . CNN 's Carolyn Sung contributed to this report .
Seattle - based coffee shops filed for bankruptcy . Patrick says , other investors want to purchase them . Actor says purchase will save many jobs .