I called to make a reservation for a party of 8. I...

I called to make a reservation for a party of 8. I spoke to Mary who had the worst customer service. She stated they would be unable to accommodate a party of 8 on the date and time I was inquiring about. I asked her what times she had available for outside dining and she pointedly stated that they could not accommodate a group of 8 and they could not split the group into two tables. I then asked if I could make two reservations and Mary stated that I could call and reserve twice, but if at any point her or the manager suspected that both tables knew each other, our reservations would be cancelled and we would be asked to leave. I asked for further clarification, as I have NEVER heard of a restaurant doing this. Mary simply said that this has been done in the past and the staff ends up unhappy and everybody ends up unhappy. She then very helpfully (sarcasm), said that this was not a COVID measure and repeated her initial threat about how our reservations would be cancelled if there was indication that we knew each other. I really really want to try this place, but if the service Mary provided is any indication of the service at the actual restaurant, then that is enough to deter me.