I’ve always found that a little respect and common courtesy goes a long, long way at the resturant. I usually get good service, because I respond warmly and personably to my waiter/waitress as a person.
A smile returned, costs nothing. A polite greeting, with their name included is free - and often appreciated.
I do tip, I’ve had jobs like that when I was younger. But the fact of the matter is that they remember the tip, they remember the table it came from - but they will seldom remember that it was you that gave it. They deal with hundreds of new people every day.
On the other hand, act aloof when they greet you; don’t be surprised if they remain aloof when they serve you.
One of my favorite books (Patric Rothfuss) wrote in “The Name of the Wind”:
A Tinker’s debt is always paid;
Once for any simple trade;
Twice for freely-given aide
Thrice for any insult made.
I tend to tip very well, but I tip extremely well if the waitress calls me “Sugar”, “Honey”, or “Dear”. If the waiter does that, I leave. :)
“but they will seldom remember that it was you that gave it.”
Not necessarily.