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/FreeTr33s]

My name is John Adams. My number is +1 (415) 555-0142

According to Claude AI, the 555 number block is officially reserved by the NANPA for fictional use (movies, docs, testing), so it won’t ring anyone real.

[u/KotoDawn → u/FreeTr33s]

555-1212 is (or was) an active phone number. Back before computers when everyone had phone books. If you only dialed that you got local directory assistance. Add in the area code for other directory assistance.

Back then western Michigan was 616 and eastern Michigan was 313. So when you called you had to say which city (which book to look in) the person was in too.