When the Brick Store Pub first opened its doors for business in 1997 on the Decatur Square, Mary Jane Mahan was one of the business’s first employees.

The now 37-year-old Decatur resident was having trouble finding work after graduating with a master’s degree in speech and communications from the University of Georgia.

Having previously met two of the three Brick Store Pub owners, Dave Blanchard, Tom Moore and Mike Gallagher, she jumped at the opportunity for a job.

“I could not find a job in Athens and I was feeling a little lost,” Ms. Mahan said. “I said maybe they will give me a job.”

After working at the pub for 18 months, Ms. Mahan landed a job with the state health department but the Brick Store would remain close to her heart.

On Nov. 11 Ms. Mahan released “Love at the Pub,” published by New York-based iUniverse Inc.

The book chronicles the founding, history and significance the Brick Story Pub plays in the Decatur community.

The book did not start as a history of the pub, though; in fact it started as a look into the life of waitressing.

“They say write what you know and I know waitressing,” Ms. Mahan said. “But people started pouring out their hearts about what this pub meant to them. The Brick Store told me to write this history.”

The book has become a top seller on Amazon.com, becoming the site’s No. 1 regional travel book, No. 2-selling travel book and 84th in overall books.

“It’s cool. I really liked it,” Blanchard said. “Being so in it you just go about your business. But [it is nice] to read how much this place means to people.”

To celebrate the book’s success, Ms. Mahan and the Brick Store Pub will hold a Book Signing Block Party tomorrow in several businesses in the Decatur Square.

The event, which is set from 5 to 10 p.m., includes book signings by Ms. Mahan, a bonfire and a City Stakeholder Storytelling Hour.

“Love at the Pub” can be purchased at the Brick Store Pub and other Decatur business, as well as Amazon.com and iUniverse.com.

The Brick Store Pub is at 125 East Court Square in Decatur.