He used to be known for saving lives and now he’ll be known (at least in Seattle) for saving jobs. Yes, the rumors are true, Patrick Dempsey, aka Grey’s Anatomy Dr. McDreamy, bought Tully’s Coffee chain. Dempsey’s $9.15 million dollar offer, beat bidders such as Starbucks to take over the bankrupt coffee company (and prevailed following a week of uncertainty over the outcome). His group, Global Baristas, is hoping to breath some life into the business, build the brand, and help the Seattle economy. Dempsey says the Emerald City was very good to his career and he’d like to pay it forward.

I am already picturing Tully’s baristas decked out in green hospital scrubs, stethoscopes in hand as they check the heart rates of Seattle customers eager to get a–er–shot at having their–uh–mug in a photo alongside the new Tully’s owner.

In a coffee town where Starbucks dominates the horizon as far as the eye can see, some healthy competition might be just what the doctor ordered. As the actor said via his Twitter feed: “We met the green monster, looked her in the eye, and…SHE BLINKED! We got it! Thank you Seattle!”

Will I be lining up for a shot at fame and good coffee myself? Probably not. Hollywood glamor and excitement aside, I confess my favorite coffee shop, bar none, is home…especially when my own Mr. McDreamy, aka Big Papa, is pouring the shots.

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