Byrd's Famous Cookies – 71 South Market Street

Byrd's Famous Cookies, 71 South Market Street is a grocery store in Charleston, SC, specializing in handmade Scotch Oatmeal cookies and other classic treats. Founded in 1924 by Benjamin Tillman “Pop” Byrd, Sr. in Savannah, Georgia, the business began as a small bakery near City Market, where cookies were sold in glass jars for “2 for a penny.” The Scotch Oatmeal cookie quickly became the company’s signature, earning lasting popularity. Over time, the business evolved under the leadership of B.T. Byrd, Jr., known as “Cookie,” who expanded operations and introduced custom-printed metal tins that became a beloved keepsake. The brand continues to be known for its traditional recipes and quality, offering nationwide shipping through Goldbelly and supporting corporate gifting and local retail distribution.

The company’s history traces back to a tin-sided barn in Sandfly, Georgia, where Pop Byrd established the original bakery in 1929. By the 1950s, a larger brick facility was built across a dirt road from the family home, serving as the company’s base for nearly five decades. This legacy of craftsmanship and family tradition remains central to the brand’s identity. The cookies are still made with care, preserving the original recipes and methods that helped build a loyal customer base over generations.

The business maintains a strong reputation, with a 4.30 rating based on 17 reviews, reflecting consistent customer satisfaction. Its enduring appeal lies in the authenticity of its products and the story behind them, rooted in decades of family dedication to quality baking. Byrd’s Famous Cookies stands as a cherished local tradition in Charleston, offering a taste of Southern heritage through its signature Scotch Oatmeal cookies.