The Ann Dupee Gem of the Hills Award is presented to an individual whose dedication, leadership, and service exemplify the spirit of the South Lake community. This distinguished honor was proudly bestowed upon Uday Kadam—businessman, entrepreneur, author, and community leader—whose unwavering commitment to giving back has made a lasting and meaningful impact throughout the region.
For Uday Kadam, being part of a community has always meant more than simply owning a business within it. It means showing up, lending a helping hand, and supporting the people and organizations that help the community thrive.
Throughout his years in Clermont, Uday has made community service a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. He has consistently demonstrated his appreciation for the men and women who serve and protect the community by hosting annual appreciation luncheons for Clermont Police, Fire, and Rescue EMT personnel, recognizing their dedication, sacrifice, and service.
His generosity extends across South Lake County through his support of numerous organizations, including the Clermont Woman’s Club, Tony Valente Scholarship Fund, Caribbean American Association of Lake County, Clermont Historic Village, and Central Florida Dreamplex. Through donations, sponsorships, volunteerism, and assistance with food service needs, Uday has helped strengthen these organizations and further their missions to serve others.
Uday has also been a steadfast supporter of local schools, sponsoring athletic programs, arts initiatives, educational events, and cultural activities. Time and again, he has contributed resources and meals that help make these events memorable experiences for students, families, teachers, and staff.
Through his business, Uday has created more than a restaurant—he has created a gathering place where people come together to celebrate milestones, build relationships, support charitable causes, and experience the hospitality and cultural traditions that have defined his career.
The son of a teacher and a farmer, Uday studied and trained at the renowned Taj Mahal Hotel before embarking on an international hospitality career with Marriott and later Disney. His experiences across diverse cultures, countries, and kitchens helped shape the entrepreneur, chef, and community leader he is today.
More recently, he shared his remarkable journey in his book, Lone Lion: An Independent Entrepreneur’s Tale of Adventure & Adversity. In it, he chronicles the challenges he overcame, the mentors who inspired him, and the experiences that guided his path from a small village in India to becoming a successful entrepreneur and respected leader in South Lake County.
Today, his story continues to unfold in the community he proudly calls home—a story defined by generosity, gratitude, perseverance, and an enduring commitment to serving others.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions and dedicated service, Uday Kadam has been named the recipient of the Ann Dupee Gem of the Hills Award. This honor reflects not only his professional accomplishments but also the countless ways he has enriched the lives of those around him.
Congratulations, Uday Kadam, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your extraordinary service to the South Lake community.
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Source: South Lake Tablet
Published: 2026-08-21 16:54:00