The Brick Deli’s historic mural in downtown Decatur will soon be covered up

DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — The Brick Deli is a popular lunch spot in Decatur.

"We took it over and we've had it 26 years, so it's a Decatur staple," said Tina Hall. "It's important to downtown Decatur."

They serve new and old faces daily.

"Every day we see new people, but our staple is our regulars," said Hall.

They also have history both in and outside of its four walls.

"Decatur has a lot of really cool murals that you can go around and check out, and we wanted to be part of that," she said.

When the deli moved into their new location, their building had a faded Coca-Cola mural on the side of the building. Although, they wanted to add a fresh coat of paint.

Hall said one of their council members, Carlton McMaster's, grandfather made the original mural. The deli reached out to him, and he was able to find the original paintbrushes his grandfather used on the first mural.

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Frank Troop with Decatur Coca-Cola painted the new mural, using those original brushes.

They also decided to personalize this updated version, adding the deli's name.

"I have people who come in from out of town and they're always like, 'Oh yea we're gonna meet at the restaurant with the Coca-Cola, the brick' 'Yeah, that's it'," said Heather Fischer. "It's just been a part of this area and the downtown area for a long time, as long as I can remember, and I have lived here forever. "

Fischer is a long-time regular at the deli.

Just four months ago, The Brick Deli found out that their mural would soon be covered by new construction. A new dance studio will be going up directly next store, covering the mural and taking their parking lot as well.

"You will not see the mural at all. The studio will be almost butted up completely to our building," Hall said.

Despite the unfortunate news, The Brick's owners say all will remain the same inside of the restaurant.

"We're gonna do what we always do," said Tina Hall. "We're gonna keep going."

Construction will start Monday, October 21st, so there is still time to get a quick bite to eat and grab one last photo in front of the mural.