Rex's Burgers and Brews and Fraiche Contemporary French are closed.

Owner Connie Naccarato declined a request we made last week to take photos at the restaurants for a review planned for the Food section. At first, she said the restaurants, which she opened with chef Jason Rex, were for sale. Later in the conversation, she indicated that she would probably be closing the doors.

The restaurants shared the kitchen in the space that was previously Niko's, 14 N. Post St., and closed sometime over the weekend. On Tuesday, the shades were drawn and signs and sports flags that had hung in the windows had been replaced by “For Lease” signs.

Rex's Burgers and Brews and Fraiche opened about nine months ago.

Naccarato and Rex are still partners in Scratch restaurant,  1007 W. First Ave., and Rain Lounge, next door. There is also a Scratch in Coeur d'Alene, 501 Sherman Ave., where you can still dine on Rex's cuisine.

I'm sorry to see the restaurants close. It may have seemed an unlikely pairing, but I had great meals at both the burger joint and Fraiche.

The former Niko's location is now home to Rex's Burgers and Brews.

Chef Jason Rex is leading the culinary team for a menu that features a build-your-own burger menu along with handmade onion rings, sweet potato fries, wings, sandwiches, pasta, steak and more. It just opened this week.

Diners can choose their meat (or beans) for a basic price, and then add cheese and other grilled toppings for a bit more. When your burger arrives, you take it for a trip through the toppings bar for other fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and whatnot.

I stopped in with a group for friends for lunch and ordered the bean burger topped with Boursin cheese, grilled mushrooms and onions. It was one hot, delicious mess. Thank goodness for the sturdy handmade buns to hold the precarious pile of grub together. It was $7.95. The cheese sauteed mushrooms and grilled onions added $1.75 to the ticket.

My dining companions liked the char on their thick beef burgers. One topped his with Gouda and fried egg. The other steered clear of cheese, but added grilled mushrooms.

There are just a handful taps, but plenty of bottled beers. I'll go again. If only to solve the mystery of the Rex Balls appetizer.

Rex's Burgers and Brews, 14 N. Post St., is open Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.