The founder of restaurant 21 Queen Street on Newcastle's Quayside, now just 21, will be given the freedom of Newcastle to recognize his "huge contribution" to Tyneside's gastronomic scene and economy.
Councillor Karen Robinson said his influence "cannot be underestimated" at a meeting to approve the award.
Mr. Laybourne said he was "truly flattered" by the honour. "I feel privileged not only to call Newcastle my home but also to have spent so much of my career here in this incredible city," he said. The Local Democracy Reporting Service said he would receive the award from other notable locals, such as Sir Brendan Foster and Sir Bobby Robson.
Mr Laybourne's portfolio boasts some of Newcastle's most popular restaurants. Mr Laybourne was the first to bring a Michelin star to Newcastle in 1988. Since then, he has collected various accolades, including an Egon Ronay Star, Independent Restaurateur of the Year, and a gold Taste of North East England award.
His company also operates several city eateries, including Broad Chare, St Vincent, and the Saltwater Fish Company. Newcastle councilor Wendy Taylor said: "The changes in the hospitality sector since I first came to Newcastle in 1973 have been truly remarkable. "It was challenging to find a good restaurant; now we are completely spoiled for choice.
"Terry has made a huge contribution to that change," she said.
