According to Dempsey, Tully's Coffee operates 47 locations in Washington and California and has other franchises across the country.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

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: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

One reason Tully's owner TC Global Inc. didn't pick the Starbucks-AgriNurture deal was the complicated relationship Tully's has with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc.

MSN: Judge: Tully's Coffee to go to Dempsey's group

Green Mountain owns the wholesale side of Tully's brand, which includes coffee in bags and single-serve packs that are sold in supermarkets and other stores.

MSN: Judge: Tully's Coffee to go to Dempsey's group

Green Mountain preferred to keep the chain of coffee shops intact and operating under the Tully's name.

MSN: Judge: Tully's Coffee to go to Dempsey's group

The coffee giant made an offer for some of Tully's assets, while another bidder made an offer for all other assets.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS