Silvan’s, owned by Aksen ‘Silvan’ Karaalp, came to town in December 2022 as the first Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dine-in and takeaway restaurant, first situated at 40 High Street.
In a visit made by former County Gazette chief reporter, Phil Hill, the restaurant was described as “spotlessly clean and organised”, with so much care and attention paid to every item ordered.
Shortly after opening in 2022, the family business faced struggles and despite how busy it was, it wasn’t long until a temporary closure was put in place in late December 2022.
Silvan’s officially closed its doors in October 2023, however, this wasn’t the first or last time we saw the cuisine from owner Aksen.
Aksen pictured in his van in 2018. (Image: NQ Archive)
Aksen first started out the business in Taunton in 2016, touring around the town in his retro “green van”.
He caught up with the County Gazette in 2018, speaking about his challenges in Taunton.
“At the start, I was really worried as I had put all my savings into the business and it was not working.
“When I started it was breakfasts and burgers and then I had to start bringing in new menus.
“I needed to do something different and do things which people wanted – from that moment on, the business picked up.”
Fast forward to 2024, and after leaving the high street restaurant location last year, Aksen has returned to his van located near Castle Green on the high street.
Silvan’s van in Taunton. (Image: NQ Archive)
Aksen continues to serve Middle-Eastern and Medittarean food among other cuisines from his van.
The business owner added: “I enjoy being creative as I think this is one of my strengths.
“I feel as a business I need to be competitive not only with the price but with what I can offer to customers.
“My first 15 months in business have given me a lot of confidence since everything picked up.”