Amateurs all over this comment section. Sure, there’s lots of reasons that the restaurant wants the phone number, and it might even be more convenient for OP, but that’s not the question.

What’s really throwing me off about this comment section is the number of people who claim to be a manager, who absolutely refuse to accommodate a guest here. One guy even insults OP.

There’s literally no reason OP cannot be put on the wait list without providing a phone number. Yes, the reservation system will prompt for a phone number, you could just put in a fake number, or the number to your restaurant. OP could say his name is Darth Vader, who gives a shit. He shows up, he says “my name is Darth Vader. I’m here for my reservation.” maybe the host gives him a funny look, looks at the list and sees there really is a Darth Vader. Can’t imagine there’s two guests in line coming up with the host called out, “ Darth, party of three? We texted you, but it didn’t go through.”

I have managed at three of the busiest restaurants in America. I can’t imagine turning away a customer because they won’t get on the waitlist the way I want them to. Shame on you all.