There Is A More Polite Way To Tell Your Restaurant Server That You Know The Owner - Tasting Table

"According to Nikesha Tannehill Tyson, mentions of knowing the owner should not be an attempt to get faster service, premier seating, special treatment, or apply pressure if there is a complaint."

"The best way to mention knowing the owner is to lead with niceties, such as saying, 'I'm excited to be here, I met the owner at a conference last week.'"

"Name-dropping is never appropriate when you're trying to get something out of the deal, whether that's free drinks, discounted appetizers, or a fast pass to the front of the waitlist."

Mentioning a restaurant owner by name is often seen as inappropriate and can create pressure on staff. Etiquette expert Nikesha Tannehill Tyson advises against using name-dropping to seek special treatment. Instead, if one must mention knowing the owner, it should be done in a friendly manner without implying any expectation of preferential treatment. Name-dropping is only acceptable in cases of special arrangements made with the owner, but generally, it is discouraged in dining settings.

Read at Tasting Table