You can take the woman out of the South, but you can’t take the South out of the woman.

Atlanta Fish and Wings is bringing soul food to Federal Way next month.

From chicken and waffles to fried catfish and potato salad, restaurant owner Renee Williams is paying homage to her Southern heritage.

Yes, Williams will be cooking. No, she will not reveal her secret fried chicken recipe.

The menu includes fried tilapia, fried red snapper, collard greens, french fries and her signature peach cobbler.

“I love cooking this food. It’s what I grew up on,” Williams said. “It’s what I know.”

The restaurant is scheduled to open Sept. 1 at 29500 Pacific Highway S., just north of the light at Dash Point Road. Primarily a takeout restaurant, Atlanta Fish and Wings will have a handful of tables for dining inside.

Born in Shreveport, La., Williams has spent a career in the health care industry. Those management lessons, along with her grown sons Christopher Scott and Shamarrie Scott, will help fulfill her dream of running a Southern-style eatery.

“I’m from Atlanta, and in Atlanta, you can find hot wings, fried chicken and fried fish on any corner,” said Williams, a 13-year resident of Federal Way. “Atlanta has a reputation for good food in the South.”

She wants her restaurant to embody that warm Sunday dinner atmosphere that’s part of Southern tradition.

“It’s all about celebration,” she said. “It’s food, family and fun.”