Ralph's Famous Italian Ices and Ice Cream shop in Mamaroneck faces a rocky road after local government officials ordered the owner to close down, but Scott Rosenberg opened his doors Friday in defiance.

Crowds gathered outside the business on East Boston Post Road the night before to protest the zoning board's decision. Neighbors had complained about crowd noise, trash and safety concerns.

The Zoning Board of Appeals denied Rosenberg a special permit to stay open last Thursday, giving him a week to close shop. The summer treat stand opened in May 2016.

Supporters say they want Rosenberg to stay.

"Stores are closing all over the place," says Bill Kopp, of Eastchester. "I see empty stores in every shopping center I go to. This was a ratty looking gas station before. Look what he's done to improve the area."

And some parents are arguing that it's not a safety hazard at all -- the ice cream shop gives their kids a safe place to go after school, they say.

The establishment's health permit expired April 30. Officials with the county Health Department tell News 12 they spoke with Rosenberg via phone Friday and are giving him a chance to shut down voluntarily. If he doesn't, he'll be issued a summons to appear at a county administrative hearing office.

News 12 is told Health Department officials will be doing spot checks over the weekend to see if the store is still open. Police will also monitor the business following a violation issued by the Building Department.