"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Ignacio Garcia is stepping into his first food venture: The long-time server and Stone House restaurant captain partners with his boss, Peter Botros, in the endeavor. 

The place will be called Sofia's Taqueria, a name taken from Ignacio's daughter who has "an amazing, energetic personality," Botros said. "And the name has a really good ring to it...it's the traditional   Mexican spelling of 'Sophia.'" 

Sofia's Restaurant takes root at 977 Bay Street, former home to recently closed Korzo Klub and, prior to that, Zest.

The building's archways and outdoor courtyard criss-crossed with a grapevine ceiling lends itself to a Mexican restaurant, said Ignacio. 

"We can do a great job representing Mexican food," said Peter.