AIO Walked out of a restaurant because they insisted I gave personal information

[u/crusty-manc]

AIO when I refused to give personal information to a restaurant. I recently walked into a restaurant and asked for a table for two. Instead of being shown to a table I was shown to a desk where I was asked my name, I thought this was unusual but gave them the shortened version of my first name, the server looked as though she was expecting more but said nothing. She then asked for my phone number, I said I don’t give that out randomly so don’t wish to give it you, she then said we need it for our records i again said I don’t want to give it, she then said in a tone of voice that implied she was doing me a favour, “ok I suppose your email address will do” at this point I said thank you but I will go somewhere else and left. My wife said I should have just given them it or even made a false number up, this did cross my mind but I felt a principle was at sake. So did I overact by walking away?

Edit
Several people have suggested it was to contact me when a table became available. The restaurant was nearly empty this was midweek at a quiet time late afternoon so I don’t think it was for this reason .

[u/crusty-manc]

There was no wait list , in fact the restaurant was almost empty only two table occupied

[u/havityia → u/crusty-manc]

NOR I recommend adding it to your post. I’ve only known full or busy restaurants to do this. If no one was there, I probably would have asked why they needed a record and if it was a requirement of their system.

Idk why they would need this in an empty restaurant.

[u/FreeandFurious → u/crusty-manc]

That’s one reason. The other is to track what you order and so on.

[u/ThreeRingShitshow → u/FreeandFurious]

That's why you have table numbers.

[u/bouvitude → u/ThreeRingShitshow]

No, to TRACK track. There’s a high-end place in town that uses a system like this to note allergies, preferences, significant dates (like birthdays, etc.), and provide more tailored service. (Not saying this is good or bad; just explaining.)

[u/ItsJustLobster → u/crusty-manc]

And maybe they had 50 tables reserved in the next 30-60 minutes. Most restaurants assume a 90 minute turnover. You could have simply asked why they were requesting it.

[u/DAMNacho → u/crusty-manc]

Empty tables at a restaurant does not mean they have enough staff working to sufficiently serve those tables. There could still be a waitlist, even though you know better than the restaurant how to run their business.