Tully's Coffee - the Seattle based coffee shop chain - which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October, could be saved by Patrick Dempsey, CNN reports.

Dempsey says he and a group of investors want to save 500 jobs by purchasing the chain. "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. "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."

Dempsey cites his warm affection of the city, and his desire to spend more time in it as reason enough to plough money into one of its oldest and most loved brands. "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." Dempsey plays Derek Shepherd, nicknamed "Dr. McDreamy," on the TV series Greys Anatomy, which is set in the city.