Golden, Crispy, Consistent: The Recipe Behind Byrd’s Famous Cookies

Byrd’s Famous Cookies is more than a brand; it’s a legacy rooted in tradition, innovation, and kindness. For 100 years, the Byrd family has been delighting taste buds with bite-sized, crispy treats that capture the essence of Southern hospitality.

It all started in 1924 when Stephanie Lindley’s great-grandfather, Benjamin Tillman Byrd Sr., set out to open a small bakery in Savannah, Georgia. With an initial goal of providing for his family, he likely had no idea that his scotch oatmeal cookie recipe—an unassuming blend of classic ingredients baked to perfection—would become a beloved staple for generations.

“From the very beginning, our focus has been on hospitality and consistency,” says Stephanie Lindley, fourth-generation owner and fifth-generation operational leader at Byrd Cookie Company. “We’ve stayed true to our roots while innovating in ways that honor our legacy. That’s how you last 100 years.”

Byrd isn’t just about cookies – it’s about creating moments of joy. The company’s hallmark hospitality stems from Stephanie’s grandfather, B.T. Byrd Jr., whose generosity and charm made the brand synonymous with warmth. “My grandfather wasn’t just a baker; he was a host. He’d welcome tourists to the ‘Cookie Shanty,’ offering unlimited free samples from a cookie bar. He believed in being as generous and hospitable as possible, and that mindset still defines Byrd’s culture today.”

A Cookie-Cutter Approach that Works Every Time

Much like their Scotch Oatmeal cookie recipe, Byrd’s formula for growth has been simple: stay consistent and seize opportunities. Over the years, the company has expanded operations with bakeries in Georgia, Florida, and California. Along the way, they’ve acquired legacy brands like Selma’s Cookies, Seckinger Lee, and Kermit’s Key Lime Pie, blending their unique histories into the Byrd’s family.

Byrd’s also stands out for its major partnerships, supplying sweet treats to some of the world’s most beloved brands. Today, Byrd’s is the primary sweet food supplier for the world’s largest theme park and has cultivated partnerships with Trader Joe’s, Target, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and more.

If Byrd’s journey were a cookie, Stephanie says it would be a cowboy cookie—a mix of diverse flavors that come together beautifully. “We’re a mix of people, cultures, and ideas, and we create something amazing every time,” she says.

Overcoming Cracks in the Cookie Dough

Running a century-old company doesn’t come without its challenges. Scaling a family-owned business while preserving its legacy hasn’t always been easy. “Growth often comes with growing pains,” Stephanie admits. “We’ve had to balance maintaining our quality and authenticity while navigating the complexities of expansion.”

From navigating a two-year cocoa shortage to weathering the pandemic’s impact on airline contracts, Byrd’s resilience is a testament to Stephanie’s leadership. “With the right partners, no challenge is insurmountable,” Stephanie says. “We’ve learned that adversity only strengthens your commitment to your values.”

A Batch Made in Heaven

Stephanie’s relationship with SouthState began in 2011, thanks to her connection with Holden Hays, Division President, Coastal Georgia. “SouthState’s bankers are the reason I’m here,” she shares. “Since day one, I’ve had the same team—Holden, Rebecca, and Justin. That consistency and loyalty mean everything to me.”

SouthState provides Byrd’s with the financial tools needed to grow and adapt, including deposit accounts, property loans, online treasury services, and lines of credit. But Stephanie values the relationship beyond the services. “It’s about trust. I don’t even expect the best rate; I just need to know that someone will answer the phone and support my business.”

Justin Lake, Commercial Relationship Manager and a key partner in Byrd’s banking journey, highlights the mutual respect that defines their relationship. “Stephanie’s success drives me to be the best banking partner I can be. She deserves that. Even when her business expands into areas where we don’t have branches, we’ve always found a way to get her the resources she needs.”

As Byrd’s continues to grow, SouthState has been there every step of the way, blending cutting-edge digital tools with old-fashioned customer service.

“SouthState understands the balance of tradition and innovation,” Stephanie explains. “They’re helping us manage our cash flow with digital treasury tools while still empowering me to pick up the phone and call my banker when I need them.”

100 More Years of Cookies, Kindness, and Consistency

As Byrd’s Famous Cookies approaches its next century, Stephanie’s vision is clear: preserve the company’s culture, continue acquiring legacy brands, and remain a symbol of quality and consistency. “I hope we’re remembered for our small, crispy, bite-sized cookies and for staying the course,” she says.
And as a leader, she wants her legacy to reflect kindness and fairness. “Even when we disagree, I want people to walk away knowing I treated them with respect. If I do that, I know I can leave my family and this company in good hands.”

Stephanie’s advice to other small business owners is as timeless as her Scotch Oatmeal cookie: stay the course. “Know your ‘why’ and stick with it, even when it gets tough,” she says. “And find a partner like SouthState – a partner who believes in your vision and works with you to make it a reality.”

For Byrd’s Famous Cookies and SouthState, the partnership is more than business—it’s a shared commitment to tradition, innovation, and treating people the right way. Together, they’re baking forward into the next 100 years.