The gradual exterior deterioration of Clemson dive bar and restaurant Goober’s over the past several months has seemed a mystery to the public — until now.

Located on 520 Old Greenville Highway, Goober’s was considered a “true slice of small town Southern culture,” per a Google review.

The establishment was well known for its lively bar scene and American-style dishes, such as chicken salad, wings and hamburgers.

From offering weekly specials, live music and a unique atmosphere to watching a game, Goober’s has attracted a handful of customers since its initial opening in 1998, according to its social media.

Goober’s has remained inactive on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X since May 2024.

“Sardi’s restaurant closed about the time of the pandemic, and now Goober’s has shuttered, I am told due to the passing of the owner,” Mark Sublette shared in a Facebook post.

Additionally, Jacob Peabody, zoning and codes administrator for the city of Clemson, shed some light on the ongoing mystery.

Goober’s Clemson officially closed on Dec. 31 following the passing of its 45-year-old business owner, Brandy Taylor. Peabody specified that Taylor was solely the business owner, not the property owner.

Peabody is unsure whether there are any plans to reopen Goober’s in the future, either in Clemson or elsewhere. However, the city’s board of architectural review is slated to evaluate a proposal on March 3 that entails demolishing the current building on Old Greenville Highway and constructing a 7 Brew Coffee location in its place.

7 Brew currently has 12 South Carolina locations, two of which are in Greenville, which is the closest location to Clemson’s campus at the moment.

Nationwide coffee chain Dutch Bros recently announced its early 2026 opening in Clemson. If 7 Brew receives approval to build a new location, Clemson will obtain yet another shop that produces coffee and specialty drinks.