Outside the Box: Drusilla Ratnam - Assistant Restaurant Manager
We proudly acknowledge the Bunurong as the first people to love, live and dine on the lands on which Attica sits today.
We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples were the first sovereign nations of Australia from time immemorial, and they never ceded this sovereignty.
Outside the Box: Drusilla Ratnam - Assistant Restaurant Manager
In this edition of ‘Outside the Box’ – a recurring space where we share more about those who make us what we are – we meet assistant restaurant manager Dru Ratnam.
Published 23.01.25
Drusilla Ratnam
One of our longest-serving Front of House team members, Dru started working with Ben and Kylie Shewry at Attica Summer Camp. Learn all about her journey so far, and her hopes for the future of hospitality.
Can you describe the (or a) time where you realised hospitality was the industry for you?
I’ve always loved food and the creativity it inspires, but I was never cut out to be a chef. My first job was at a cafe sandwich shop, where I floated between kitchen and floor roles as an all-rounder. One thing I’ll never forget was the regular guests who loved to chat.
Talking to strangers was a completely new experience for me and I was genuinely surprised by how much connection could come about from something as simple as ordering a coffee. Those exchanges were so fleeting – just five minutes out of someone’s day – but they were something to look forward to. Seeing the regulars walk in always brought a spark of joy.
What have you learnt about yourself in the years you've been working in hospitality?
I’ve learnt that caring is cool, asking questions is fun, and a simple “hello” or “goodbye” can truly change someone’s entire day.
I used to feel embarrassed about how much I care, but now I embrace it. Feeling passionate about something and caring so much that it stirs strong emotions is a gift, not a flaw. This industry has taught me that showing care and creating connection is not just fulfilling – it’s impactful.
What would you like to see in the future for the restaurant industry in general?
I love hospitality – it’s an incredible space where people connect, share, and experience life. The future of hospitality excites me because it has the potential to dive deeper into education. Whether it’s about culture, sustainability, ethics, or the stories behind what we eat and drink, there’s so much to explore and share.
The key is this: the more people know, the more we can inspire meaningful change. Every day, I’m amazed at how much there is to learn—new flavours to taste, new perspectives to uncover and new stories to hear. I’ll never get tired of learning something new, no matter how small. Even something as simple as sharing a fun fact can be a powerful and cool way to educate and expand knowledge.
Outside of work, what brings you joy and why?
So many things bring me joy. I love making playlists. I enjoy walking around—not to be confused with “going for a walk,” which feels more intentional. Snacking is a big one for me, as is baking. These little joys help me slow down and reconnect with myself.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time and what kind of impact do you hope to have on the people around you in that time (both inside and outside of work/generally)?
Five years feels both so close and so far away. It was five years ago that I joined the Attica team during summer camp in the Yarra Valley. I hope that whatever I’m doing, I’m doing it well and doing it right. I’d love to be working in a role focused on a holistic approach to hospitality or sustainability.\
More importantly, I hope to be surrounded by people who are passionate, kind and driven. I want to make a positive impact by creating spaces where people feel connected, supported and inspired – whether that’s in or out of the workplace.
