Glasgow restauranteur Nikki Gouge is the Howard County recipient of the 2024 Women Who Own It Award. It was presented by the Women’s Business Center in Columbia on November 1 at a ceremony held at the Kimball Ballroom at Stephens College. 

The Women Who Own It Awards honored eight women entrepreneurs from central Missouri, each representing one of the counties served by the Missouri Women’s Business Center.

Gouge owns Beckett’s Restaurant and Beckett’s Winery in Glasgow. A dedicated business owner, community leader, and family woman, she purchased Beckett’s at 25 and expanded her ventures three years ago when she acquired Beckett’s Winery. She has been an active member of the Glasgow Main Street Association for 17 years, serving as its president for the past three years. Her deep-rooted dedication to Glasgow and its community is evident in her work and life.

“My family makes this the most rewarding,” Gouge said upon receiving her award. “The demands of running a small business are endless, but it is always my goal to prioritize my family.”

Gouge was nominated by her peers and selected as a winner by the Women Who Own It Advisory Committee for her business acumen and contributions to her community.

Beckett’s Restaurant is located at 501 First Street in downtown Glasgow. The winery is right across the street at 515 First Street.

The Missouri Women’s Business Center is a Central Missouri Community Action program dedicated to providing small business development assistance with a focus on women, minorities, and low-to-moderate income-based entrepreneurs throughout central Missouri. This is accomplished through coaching, relevant programming, training sessions, events, and continued support and resources to help entrepreneurs set and reach their business goals.