"Hi! My name is _____ and I will be serving you today."
It's not the same for every single restaurant but I know that at every restaurant I've ever visited, the one I work at included, has the waiter or waitress give their name. You don't have to introduce yourself back or memorize their name for the rest of your life, but it would be beneficial for you to know your waiter's name for the duration of your time at the restaurant.
I know a lot of people don't want to creep their waiters out or seem over-bearing, but I know from personal experience that when a customer says "what's your name again," I appreciate it.
Waiters are there to serve you! We want to be readily available to you and make your experience as effortless as possible.
We all know something restaurants get busy and you might not be able to get ahold of your waiter, but it would make it easy for you when you can stop another waiter and asked them to grab your waiter by telling them their name. It's a lot easier than trying to describe your waiter or waitress without accidentally being offensive or not being exactly sure what hair color they have.
It's also extremely polite to use your waiter's name.
It shows that you do have respect for us and don't just want to order us around. I like to be friends with all of my tables, so I love hearing guests say "Hey Maddie, could you grab me another beer?"
It's music to my ears when guests use my name!
It's so much friendlier than a "hey, you!" If I'm taking care of you and interacting with you, you might as well know my first name!
I promise, your waiters and waitresses will treat you so much nicer if you use their name to ask nicely for things.
Plus, if you go to a restaurant a lot and are a regular, it's good to know the names of the waitstaff, especially the ones you like the most! A lot of times, waiters and waitresses will make an extra effort to get to know you if they can see you know who they are and come in often. It makes the experience of dining a lot more comfortable and makes it feel more relaxed.
All in all, waiters and waitress are there for you. It is our job to make sure you are taken care of and have a great experience.
You should know the person's name who is making sure your food comes out right and your drinks don't get empty. Make dining simpler and more enjoyable by just learning your waiter's name and using it!
