In a big loss for Fort Worth's bar scene, a darling lounge in the Near Southside is closing: Pinky's Champagne Room & Velvet Jazz Lounge, which called itself "a place for cool cats to break it down, imbibe, and enjoy local jazz," will close on May 26, after two years.

The bar opened in 2022 at 615 S. Jennings Ave., in a space that admittedly had some turnover: It was most recently the Low Key Tavern, but had also been home to CraftCade, The Last Word Bookstore, and at one time, was part of Tony's Pizza.

Pinky's was a gem that specialized in three great things: Champagne, booze, and live jazz. It was from husband-and-wife John Cocke and Dena Mangrum-Cocke, two food & beverage industry veterans who were opening their very first place.

John worked for Consilient for many years, and moved to Fort Worth to work at Fireside Pies in the West 7th District. He also worked at Hotel Otto, the little hotel from chef Tim Love.

"Dena and I were thinking, 'What does Fort Worth need?'" John said, when they opened the place. "And we thought about all these places that used to have jazz, like Sardine's, that have now closed. We're talking about jazz with no cover charge. We love the Scat Lounge downtown, but they're a different kind of place, and they charge cover."

The bar generated a loyal following, with praise such as: "Your establishment and hospitality are off the chart. So grateful to have a place that feels so comfortable and inviting to enjoy music, friends and a owner that goes beyond making people feel welcomed and comfortable. Thrilled you have celebrated two years. Another 20 to go."

But it was apparently not a big enough following to survive. One issue may have been that, although the bar brought in someone on weekends to make food, it did not serve food itself, and therefore relied entirely on alcohol sales.

Some blamed the location, speculating that people don't want to spend money on beverages "unless they are at a craft lounge downtown."

The decision seems to have been recent, since only five days ago, the couple was still creating features for the bar including a new website.

It's a loss not only for the unique element it added to Fort Worth's bar scene but also for the stage it provided for local musicians such as the Bobby Falk Organ Trio.

"It's been a blast getting to know and showcase so many incredibly talented local jazz musicians," the couple said in a Facebook post. "We are forever grateful for the love and support over the last 2.5 years and will cherish the friendships and memories that this journey gifted us. We hope that you will have time to stop in and say hello before the curtain drops forever on Pinky's."