National Black and White Cookie Day Sweetens Radin’s Legacy

National Black and White Cookie Day Brings Free Treats and History

One of South Jersey’s most beloved Jewish delis, Radin’s Delicatessen, is preparing to serve up tradition and nostalgia on a silver (and chocolate) platter. This year, on Sunday, September 14, Radin’s will celebrate National Black and White Cookie Day by giving away free “catering-size” black and white cookies to every customer—dine-in or takeout—beginning at 9 a.m., while supplies last.

Owner Russ Cowan, a veteran of the deli scene and former proprietor of Philadelphia’s Famous 4th Street Deli, is baking up 500 house-made cookies from scratch to mark the occasion. The giveaway is part of a larger milestone: Radin’s is honoring 125 years of family deli legacy, making it one of the longest-standing Jewish delicatessen dynasties in the region.

Located in the Short Hills Shopping Center at 486 Evesham Road in Cherry Hill, Radin’s is a hub for old-school deli fare—think overstuffed Reubens, matzo ball soup, smoked fish platters, and hot pastrami—but it’s the pastry case, particularly the iconic black and white cookie, that consistently draws rave reviews. “Black and white cookies were never an item you saw in Jewish delis back in the day – you only saw them in bakeries,” said Cowan. “But over the past two to three decades, they started to appear everywhere, and have now become a mainstay at delis like ours. We sell a lot of desserts, and the black and white cookie is always one of our most popular items.”

National Black and White Cookie Day at Radin’s Is a Celebration of Culture and Craft

With National Black and White Cookie Day landing in the middle of the High Holiday rush, Cowan saw the perfect opportunity to blend celebration with community. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur traditionally bring a surge of orders for smoked fish, meats, and desserts at Radin’s—making this event a sweet way to thank loyal customers and honor the deli’s deep roots in Jewish culinary heritage.

Though Radin’s doesn’t offer pre-assembled holiday trays, its custom spreads are a staple for families gathering during the season. Adding a free dessert to every order is a thoughtful nod to the spirit of giving—and the enduring appeal of the black and white cookie.

Behind the counter, Cowan is no stranger to success. Radin’s is the 20th deli venture in his illustrious 30-year career, and he’s made it clear this is his final act before retirement. The name itself is a tribute to his roots: Radin Brothers, the Cowan family’s original delicatessen, opened in 1905 on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Today, Radin’s honors that legacy while serving the Cherry Hill community with heart, heritage, and a heaping side of nostalgia.

Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Radin’s serves everything from knishes and traditional dinners to Reubens and breakfast all day. On National Black and White Cookie Day, every visitor walks away with a piece of that legacy—half vanilla, half chocolate, and 100% homemade.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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