Mayer says he will resolve lingering problems, adding that the staff has done an admirable job in dealing with the renovations.
"We're fortunate to have people who care so much and are conscientious," he says.
Conti says progress may be slow, but the staff is making headway through simple organization.
"We need to concentrate a little more on making sure that everything is in place before we get started," he says. "That first month was hard, but I'm back to enjoying my work. People are smiling now. People are joking. They're getting used to it."
But back in the Eliot servery, the staff aren't as positive.
"They've seen and heard that we're tired, burned out," says an Eliot chef. "But they put $3 million into this hall, they're not going to change it."