A northern Indiana pizzeria that temporarily closed after its owner announced that he would not be willing to cater a gay wedding due to his religious beliefs is back in business.

Kevin O'Connor, the owner of Memories Pizza, closed shop for eight days after he and his daughter, Crystal, told a local television station that they support the state's new controversial religious objections law. As a result, protesters led them to close the pizzeria, which is located in Walkerton, about 20 miles southwest of South Bend. The law, which has since been revised, also sparked national outrage and boycotts of Indiana.

Despite the backlash, O'Connor reopened his restaurant to a full house of friends, regular customers and supporters on Thursday.

"It's a relief to get going again and try to get back to normal," he said, according to Time.

He clarified that gays are welcome in his restaurant, but doubled down on his opposition against catering a same-sex wedding.

"I'd do the same thing again. It's my belief. It's our belief. It's what we grew up on," he said. "I'm just sorry it comes to this because neither one of us dislike any of those people. I don't hold any grudges."

O'Connor said he raised more than $842,000 online from supporters. He plans to use the money to make improvements and donate to charity, reports The IndyStar.

Last month, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the controversial religious freedom bill into law. Supporters say it helps to prevent the government from forcing business owners to act in ways contrary to strongly held religious beliefs.

Opponents, however, argue that the bill opens the door to discrimination against the LGBT community by giving business owners legal protection to deny services to same-sex couples. For example, gay rights groups note that it will be used by businesses that do not want to provide services for gay weddings.