Julie Valenti started in the catering business about seven years ago with Serena’s Catering Hall in New Dorp. And in July she jumped into a new venture, Emilio’s Restaurant in Great Kills. “I’ve been in in the industry a long time. I really want to open a catering hall on the South Shore – that’s my dream,” said the Prince’s Bay resident.

But for now, it’s baby steps with the restaurant, a venue intended to operate for a la carte service and as a spillover spot from the 110-seat hall. It can accommodate smaller parties of 20 or 30. Emilio’s comes to Staten Island on the heels of Noto’s Casa Cucina, which was sold to Valenti over the summer.