Finding a job in 2026 isn't easy. On average, job openings get over 250 applications, and the unemployment rate is around 5.2% (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2026). The truth is, in today's market, it's tough to stand out from the crowd. A lot of people end up searching for jobs only to find that they're underqualified or don't have as many options as they once thought.
What many hardworking people don't know is that attending medical assistant school can be a real game-changer for long-term stability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs for medical assistants will grow by 14% from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for most other careers. With healthcare always in demand, there's a strong need for people with these skills. Training as a medical assistant can give you a reliable path to a good job and set you up for a secure future, even when things are uncertain.
The problem? Not every medical assistant school in Port St. Lucie, FL has the staff, class size, programs, and attention that you need. If you're for more than a degree - like equipping yourself with the tools and confidence to excel in a new medical career - it might be time to consider The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute.
The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute, established by Dr. Andrew Rudnick, aims to equip students with the skills and confidence to thrive in the healthcare field. Our medical assistant curriculum is fast-paced and hands-on, designed to prepare students for real-world success. In fact, students have the chance to work directly with industry professionals and learn essential techniques during their time at The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute. This approach helps students gain practical experience in a lively, engaging setting. After all, shouldn't learning be as exciting as it is practical?
While many students choose medical assistant courses, students can earn a range of diplomas at The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute, including:
At The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute, professional mastery goes hand in hand with personal transformation. Our courses immerse students in the practical realities of healthcare while encouraging independent thought, self-assurance, and curiosity that lasts well beyond graduation.
We offer an environment where learning is an adventure. Here, students work alongside experienced professionals, tackle real challenges, and develop skills through genuine, hands-on scenarios. Growth here is not just measured by tests but by the ability to adapt, question, and chart one's own course.
No matter where you begin, The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute helps shape individuals who want to stand out in the healthcare space. We're talking about driven people who lead with initiative, contribute original ideas, and leave their mark. Here, you craft your own path and gain more than just a set of skills. You create your own story.
Our students and graduates recommend our medical assisting school because we prioritize:
Faculty and staff at The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute collaborate closely with students from day one, providing personalized mentorship and hands-on guidance. They assist students in developing a clear academic plan, offer feedback on projects, and are available for one-on-one support throughout the entire program. This partnership ensures that students feel supported and empowered at every step.
The curriculum is regularly tailored to reflect current trends in healthcare, allowing students to pursue learning opportunities that directly align with their chosen career paths. Workshops, practical labs, and networking events are integrated into the program, making each experience relevant and valuable. This approach guarantees that every moment at The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute contributes meaningfully to the student's professional journey.
At The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute, our instructors serve as a dedicated bridge between graduates and the broader business and medical community. This role involves actively reaching out to local hospitals, clinics, private practices, and healthcare organizations to develop partnerships and stay up to date on evolving industry needs.
Our instructors regularly consult with employers to ensure graduates possess the skills and attributes most in demand and also facilitates introductions and networking opportunities for students preparing to enter the workforce.
The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute offers comprehensive instruction on job search strategies tailored to the realities of today's healthcare job market. Students and graduates receive guidance on crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and developing a strong professional presence both in person and online.
Faculty members dedicate a scheduled hour each week specifically for student counseling, offering guidance on academic progress, course selection, study strategies, and personal challenges related to coursework. These sessions may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on the student's needs and preferences. In addition, faculty can provide referrals to external resources for issues beyond academic matters.
Staff members are also available in the administration office throughout regular business hours to assist with enrollment questions, tuition payments, scheduling, access to campus facilities, and general inquiries. They also help students navigate institutional procedures, process documentation, and connect with the appropriate campus services for specialized support.
Our students and graduates recommend our medical assisting school because we prioritize:
Faculty and staff at The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute collaborate closely with students from day one, providing personalized mentorship and hands-on guidance. They assist students in developing a clear academic plan, offer feedback on projects, and are available for one-on-one support throughout the entire program. This partnership ensures that students feel supported and empowered at every step.
The curriculum is regularly tailored to reflect current trends in healthcare, allowing students to pursue learning opportunities that directly align with their chosen career paths. Workshops, practical labs, and networking events are integrated into the program, making each experience relevant and valuable. This approach guarantees that every moment at The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute contributes meaningfully to the student's professional journey.
At The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute, our Director serves as a dedicated bridge between graduates and the broader business and medical community. This role involves actively reaching out to local hospitals, clinics, private practices, and healthcare organizations to develop partnerships and stay up to date on evolving industry needs.
Our Director regularly consult with employers to ensure graduates possess the skills and attributes most in demand and also facilitates introductions and networking opportunities for students preparing to enter the workforce.
The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute offers comprehensive instruction on job search strategies tailored to the realities of today's healthcare job market. Students and graduates receive guidance on crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and developing a strong professional presence both in person and online.
Faculty members dedicate a scheduled hour each week specifically for student counseling, offering guidance on academic progress, course selection, study strategies, and personal challenges related to coursework. These sessions may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on the student's needs and preferences. In addition, faculty can provide referrals to external resources for issues beyond academic matters.
Staff members are also available in the administration office throughout regular business hours to assist with enrollment questions, tuition payments, scheduling, access to campus facilities, and general inquiries. They also help students navigate institutional procedures, process documentation, and connect with the appropriate campus services for specialized support.
Now that you know more about our medical assisting school in Port St. Lucie, FL, you're probably wondering what medical assistants do and why you might want to become one.
Certified medical assistants (MAs) are sought after across the country. With only a short educational path required, becoming an MA opens the door to a rewarding and stable profession in healthcare. In May 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a national median salary of $42,000 per year (or $20.19 per hour) for medical assistants. Those numbers are expected to rise in the coming years. Pay can differ based on where you work, your experience, and your workplace environment. Many healthcare organizations now offer higher wages as they recognize the essential role MAs play and strive to fill open positions.
So, what exactly are the responsibilities of a medical assistant?
Medical assistants keep doctors' offices and clinics running. They greet patients, handle paperwork, and lend a hand with everything from preparing exam rooms to drawing blood or monitoring vital signs. Their work is hands-on and practical: entering lab results, arranging appointments, and making sure both patients and providers have what they need. Without medical assistants, daily routines would quickly unravel.
Most medical assistants spend their days in bustling outpatient clinics or doctors' offices, where they make up the backbone of day-to-day operations. But medical assistants are also valuable team members in specialty practices, urgent care centers, and even hospitals, where they adapt to the unique needs of each environment.
Here's an approximate breakdown of where most medical assistants work:
At The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute, our staff works with students to provide job-finding resources, resume-building tips, placement services, and much more. Our goal isn't to fast-track you out of the front door. It's to set you up for a lifetime of success in the medical industry.
Once students graduate from their medical assisting school in Port St. Lucie, FL, they're often ready to enter the job market and make a difference. Armed with a variety of skills, medical assistants jump between greeting patients, recording health histories, and assisting with hands-on care. As flexible workers, their role blends behind-the-scenes organization with direct patient interaction, meaning no two days are ever the same.
First, the medical assistant may check that all exam rooms are clean, stocked with supplies, and ready for patients. They review the day's schedule to see how many patients are coming in and what types of appointments are planned.
As the waiting room fills, medical assistants welcome each person, gather details about their health and medications, and find out what brings them in. They quickly and carefully record vital signs like the patient's pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and weight, which helps build a foundation for the doctor's diagnosis.
Once the patient is set, the medical assistant lets the doctors know the patient is ready. Sometimes they stick around during the exam, passing instruments or lending a steady hand with tasks like phlebotomy or giving shots, provided state rules allow. Their adaptability keeps the visit moving smoothly.
By lunchtime, medical assistants are in constant motion, wiping down exam rooms, updating charts, and fielding calls from people seeking advice or trying to fit in a last-minute visit. Their multitasking keeps the clinic humming even as the day gets busier.
A medical assistant might also help with:
MAs spend their days talking with patients, so clear communication is a key skill to have. In fact, medical assistants are often responsible for breaking down their doctor's instructions, whether it's explaining a prescription or walking someone through home care after an injury.
Late afternoons for medical assistants can mean prepping patients for last-minute appointments, lending a hand with wound care, or running quick tests like EKGs. Their focus shifts from the steady flow of earlier hours to wrapping up the essential tasks that can't wait until tomorrow.
They use simple language with patients, check charts, restock supplies, and clean up—ready for whatever the final hours bring. Before heading out, medical assistants huddle with the staff to recap the day's highlights, flag any lingering concerns, and set the stage for a smooth start in the morning.
By now, you know that medical assistants keep the healthcare industry running, working alongside doctors and nurses to care for patients and tackle critical office work. At The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute, we give students hands-on training and experience, so they're ready to step into jobs at hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices as soon as they graduate.
Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will gain hands-on skills in patient care, medical procedures, and administrative duties, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation.
Medical Assisting is a high-demand career with opportunities for growth, stability, and advancement in the healthcare field. Students choose this curriculum because, after graduating and getting a job, they benefit from:
If you're looking for an easy, affordable way to change your life for the better, contact The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute today and ask us about our medical assisting program. It could be the first step you take toward newfound success.
At The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute, our professors teach real-world skills, such as clinical techniques and office procedures, and provide hands-on training so students are ready for whatever healthcare setting they enter. Some of the skills you'll learn as a medical assisting student include:
Check blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and breathing to keep tabs on patient health.
Practice drawing blood, labeling samples, and following safety steps to prevent contamination.
Learn how to perform EKGs, record heart rhythms, and spot irregular patterns.
Master appointment scheduling, handling patient files, processing insurance claims, and managing billing tasks.
Prep exam rooms, set up tools, and help doctors during exams or minor surgeries.
Measure medication doses, give injections, and understand how to follow prescription instructions.
Use sterilization practices and follow safety rules to protect patients and staff.
After finishing the Medical Assisting program, graduates are ready for national certification exams and can step confidently into entry-level jobs in doctors' offices, clinics, urgent care centers, or specialty medical practices. Our program's blend of classroom learning and real-world training ensures students have the skills needed to thrive in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Some of the most common career paths include the following:
The start of your new career begins after you're approved for admission. In order to enroll in our medical assisting school, you must provide The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute with:
Proof That You've Completed High School (certification, GED, or diploma)
A Government-Issued ID
Proof That You're a U.S. Citizen (you must have a valid state ID or driver's license)
Diploma Catalog ID Deposit (new students must pay a $600 deposit and be scheduled on a payment plan or have tuition paid in full)
A career in healthcare means more than a steady paycheck. It's a chance to make a difference every day and grow alongside a field that never stands still. If you like working with others and want a job where your efforts matter, training as a medical assistant opens the door to a world of hands-on care and real impact.
Graduates from our medical assistant school in Port St. Lucie, FL leave with more than just a certificate. They gain practical experience, confidence, and the know-how to jump into clinics, doctors' offices, or specialty practices from day one. If you're ready to start a rewarding career in healthcare, choose The Healthcare Assisting and Team Institute's medical assisting school and let our expertise help shape your future.
With the right skills and experience, medical assistants can also pursue specialized roles or continue their education into other roles, such as nursing, medical office management, or healthcare administration. Contact our admissions office today to learn more and get started on your journey.
and last updated 1:59 PM, Mar 09, 2026PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Port St. Lucie is getting a .City leaders on Monday approved the sale of a 22-acre parcel of land to Costco for $6 million, marking a major step toward bringing the warehouse retailer to a city whose residents have long called for one.The land is located in Southern Grove, in the city's southwest corner — an area that has seen rapid growth and development in recent years.WATCH: Costco is latest marker of growth in Port St. Lucie ...
and last updated 1:59 PM, Mar 09, 2026
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Port St. Lucie is getting a .
City leaders on Monday approved the sale of a 22-acre parcel of land to Costco for $6 million, marking a major step toward bringing the warehouse retailer to a city whose residents have long called for one.
The land is located in Southern Grove, in the city's southwest corner — an area that has seen rapid growth and development in recent years.
WATCH: Costco is latest marker of growth in Port St. Lucie
Mayor Shannon Martin said the deal reflects growing recognition of Port St. Lucie's expanding economic profile.
"What it means is that these stores are starting to recognize our demographics. They're recognizing that our median incomes have gone up. They're starting to recognize that people want Costco here," Martin said.
For many residents, the news was welcome.
"Everybody in our community has to go to Stuart or Palm Beach for Costco," Jeff Beck said.
The retail store will be located east of SW Village Parkway and south of the newly constructed SW Marshall Parkway. It will be built adjacent to a that's slated to open this month, though construction on the facility is ongoing. The distribution center is expected to more than 500 people.
Costco is the latest in a series of major projects planned for Southern Grove. Developer Gustavo Lumer has been planning an entertainment district for the region for several years and said the Costco announcement adds momentum to those plans.
"And now that Costco is coming next door, it's even better," Lumer said.
While Lumer said he cannot yet disclose specific tenants, he offered a preview of what's in store.
"Incredible tenants are coming. We are talking to many restaurants, a hotel site," Lumer said.
A separate developer is also eyeing a 60-acre parcel at Becker and Village for 660 multi-family residences, a hotel, and 250,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.
Lumer said the growth is transforming the city's long-term outlook.
"It's going to be one of the nicest cities in Florida in the next three to five years," Lumer said.
St. Lucie County Economic Development Council President Wes McCurry said Southern Grove's jobs corridor has built out in far less time than originally planned, and he pointed to the area's mix of housing and amenities as a key driver.
"Because you had housing nearby. You had places to go eat and shop nearby. That's appealing to employers who move into that area," McCurry said.
No construction start or end date for the new Costco has been announced.
Portions of this story were reported on-air by a journalist and converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Copyright 2026 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Could another Costco be coming soon to the Treasure Coast?In a Thursday statement, Port St. Lucie said city leaders will consider a purchase and sale agreement with Costco Wholesale for about 22.8 acres of land in Southern Grove. This area is located west of Interstate 95, south of Tradition Parkway and north of Southwest Becker Road.WATCH BELOW: PSL leaders to meet Monday regarding CostcoThe city said Costco is proposing to build a 170,000-square-foot retail store and gas station on t...
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Could another Costco be coming soon to the Treasure Coast?
In a Thursday statement, Port St. Lucie said city leaders will consider a purchase and sale agreement with Costco Wholesale for about 22.8 acres of land in Southern Grove. This area is located west of Interstate 95, south of Tradition Parkway and north of Southwest Becker Road.
WATCH BELOW: PSL leaders to meet Monday regarding Costco
The city said Costco is proposing to build a 170,000-square-foot retail store and gas station on the land, which is located adjacent to a distribution depot currently under construction.
A Governmental Finance Corporation (GFC) meeting will be held at Port St. Lucie City Hall on Monday at noon to discuss the purchase and sale agreement.
The GFC is a not-for-profit, city-created corporation that is responsible for financing and managing capital projects related to real estate assets. The corporation is governed by a board comprised of all five City Council members.
The city said a purchase and sale agreement is a formal, legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions for buying or selling property.
If approved, city officials said Costco Wholesale will be able to move forward with plans to build the retail store in Southern Grove.
Officials said Thursday that a Costco store "has been a top request from residents for many years."
WPTV that the Costco distribution center in Port St. Lucie is expected to open this month. This facility is .
The first Costco on the Treasure Coast, a 160,000-square-foot store located off Kanner Highway, in Stuart after years of debate.
There are four Costco stores located in Palm Beach County.
Copyright 2026 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
A wildfire has burned thousands of acres in the lake bed of Lake Okeechobee, fire rescue officials said.Smoke from the burning acreage is visible in Port St. Lucie and possibly other areas of the Treasure Coast.The dubbed "First Point" fire is inaccessible to ground equipment because of the terrain and conditions of the lake bottom, said Okeechobee County Fire Rescue officials, who are monitoring the fire.Earl Wooten, Okeechobee County's public safety director and fire chief said on social media that the cause ...
A wildfire has burned thousands of acres in the lake bed of Lake Okeechobee, fire rescue officials said.
Smoke from the burning acreage is visible in Port St. Lucie and possibly other areas of the Treasure Coast.
The dubbed "First Point" fire is inaccessible to ground equipment because of the terrain and conditions of the lake bottom, said Okeechobee County Fire Rescue officials, who are monitoring the fire.
Earl Wooten, Okeechobee County's public safety director and fire chief said on social media that the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida Forest Service.
He said the fire service conducted controlled burns in the lake bed Feb. 13 to help contain the fire. Containment was at 60% in the afternoon, according to Okeechobee County Fire Rescue.
The Florida Forest Service is monitoring the area. Heavy smoke is expected over the next several days, fire officials said.
Forest service officials said the state is experiencing extreme drought conditions, including lack of rainfall, high winds and low humidity, and that any fire could get out of control and endanger property and lives.
There have been 650 wildfires since Jan.1, burning 21,000 acres. There are burn bans in 34 counties, including Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin. Camp fires, bonfires, yard waste burns and other open fires are prohibited. The bans do not include authorized outdoor burning.
The Treasure Coast is was at a "Moderate - 2" fire danger Feb. 13 out of a possible 5, with 5 being "Extreme", according to the forest service. It's estimated to be "Low - 1" on Feb. 14.
The Florida Forest Service uses the Keetch-Byram drought index to estimate the dryness of the soil and duff layers. The index increases each day without rain and decreases when it rains. The scale ranges from 0 to 800, with 800 being the driest.
As of Feb. 13, the drought index in Martin County was 650-699; St. Lucie County was 600-649; and Indian River County wasn’t far behind at 550-599. Fire officials have said that anything above 400 is bad.
(This story was updated with new information.)
Before March’s first regular-season pitch, the New York Mets will spend sunny February and March tuning their roster under Florida skies. Grapefruit League games and across the state will blend workouts and early rivalries.The 2026 MLB slate kicks off on February 21, launching a nearly monthlong loop of exhibition contests. Countless pitchers will vie for rotation spots while position players chase timing and consistency.Across roughly 30 games, including notable matchups like the March f...
Before March’s first regular-season pitch, the New York Mets will spend sunny February and March tuning their roster under Florida skies. Grapefruit League games and across the state will blend workouts and early rivalries.
The 2026 MLB slate kicks off on February 21, launching a nearly monthlong loop of exhibition contests. Countless pitchers will vie for rotation spots while position players chase timing and consistency.
Across roughly 30 games, including notable matchups like the March face-off with the New York Yankees and games against the Toronto Blue Jays, fans will get early glimpses of new faces and returning vets before the regular season begins.
The Mets’ 2026 Grapefruit League slate officially kicks off on Saturday, February 21, 2026, when they host the Miami Marlins at Clover Park. This opening date marks the first of 29 scheduled spring exhibition games designed to ease players into competitive action.
Pitchers and catchers typically report to camp earlier, with workouts preceding official games, but February 21 is when fans see the first live action. For the Mets, these early outings offer a blend of veterans preparing for the regular season and prospects auditioning for larger roles.
The Mets’ spring exhibition stretch wraps up with their final Grapefruit League contest on Sunday, March 22, 2026, just days before the regular season begins. According to the official schedule, that last spring game is also against the Marlins, closing a nearly month-long slate of preparation.
The New York Mets will officially begin their 2026 regular season on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Citi Field against the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking the first game in a full slate of Opening Day contests across the league.
This date is part of a broader 162-game schedule released by MLB, where March 26 also serves as the traditional Opening Day — a milestone that kicks off the major league campaign after weeks of spring training preparation.
While MLB technically opens the season a night earlier with a primetime matchup elsewhere, March 26 remains the official start for nearly every team’s regular-season journey, including New York’s home opener.
The schedule reflects the Mets’ announced slate of 29 Grapefruit League games, including league opponents and two World Baseball Classic exhibitions, running from Feb. 21 through March 22 ahead of the regular season.
Beyond the raw list of dates, the stretch offers the team an early proving ground where roster battles, pitching workloads and lineup experiments begin to take shape under Florida’s steady rhythm.
Spring results rarely define a season, but trends formed here often echo into April. Check out the full schedule of their games before the season begins:
Ariadna is a versatile journalist who covers a broad spectrum of sports topics and creates evergreen content. Her career in journalism began in 2021 at Indie Emergente, a digital music magazine, where she honed her skills in writing and reporting. In 2023, she expanded her repertoire by contributing to Spoiler Latinoamerica, where she created general culture content, before joining Spoiler US in 2024 to write entertainment pieces. With over four years of experience across different media outlets, Ariadna brings a wealth of knowledge and an expanding influence to the field of journalism.
Olivia FranklinLooks like it is possible to out pizza the Hut.Pizza Hut is closing 250 underperforming locations nationwide as its parent company, Yum! Brands Inc., continues a review of the struggling restaurant chain.The company has not released a list of the Pizza Hut restaurants that are shutting down. A comparison of store locations from 2024 and the current website list shows many Florida Pizza Huts already have closed, while many more have opened, mostly Pizza Hut Express locations in gas stations such as Mobil, ...
Olivia Franklin
Looks like it is possible to out pizza the Hut.
Pizza Hut is closing 250 underperforming locations nationwide as its parent company, Yum! Brands Inc., continues a review of the struggling restaurant chain.
The company has not released a list of the Pizza Hut restaurants that are shutting down. A comparison of store locations from 2024 and the current website list shows many Florida Pizza Huts already have closed, while many more have opened, mostly Pizza Hut Express locations in gas stations such as Mobil, Food Mart and Stop Express.
The Pizza Hut at 10401 S. U.S. 1 in Port St. Lucie will close, but it is unclear if it is related to the announced 250 closings.
There are nine Pizza Hut restaurants on the Treasure Coast:
Maybe someone can "OutPizza The Hut" after all.
Pizza Hut is set to close 250 “underperforming” locations in the United States in the first half of 2026 as its parent company, Yum! Brands Inc. continues a strategic review of the struggling brand.
During a Feb. 4 Yum! Brands earnings call, Chief Financial Officer Ranjith Roy said that the move was part of “Hut Forward,” a strategy which includes “vibrant marketing, modernization of technology, and franchise agreements.”
“While we don’t share specific details of franchise agreements, we are pleased to be working in partnership with our franchisees on increased efforts to deliver near-term sales while advancing long-term strategy,” Yum! Brands told Restaurant Business Online in an emailed statement.
The closure announcement comes as Pizza Hut's store sales in the United States declined by 3% in the fourth quarter of 2025, while other Yum! Brands' restaurants, like Taco Bell, saw sales increases of 7% during the same quarter.
"The 250 stores that we mentioned is a very small portion of the 20,000-unit estate that Pizza Hut has globally," Roy said during the earnings call. "And it is the right answer for the brand as we move through the strategic review."
Yum! Brands did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on Feb. 4.
The closures at Pizza Hut come as Yum! Brands, which also owns Taco Bell and KFC, continues "a formal review of strategic options for the Pizza Hut brand," with a sale as a possibility.
Yum! Brands announced the review back in November, during which Pizza Hut sales in the United States declined by 7%.
"The Pizza Hut team has been working hard to address business and category challenges; however, Pizza Hut’s performance indicates the need to take additional action to help the brand realize its full value, which may be better executed outside of Yum! Brands," Yum! Brands CEO Chris Turner said in a news release.
Although 2026 is only a month in, multiple fast-food and fast-casual chain restaurants across the United States have announced plans to downsize, with some stating they intend to focus resources on their stronger-performing stores.
Among the restaurants that have announced closures are Noodles & Co., Red Robin and Wendy’s.
Noodles & Co., in a Jan. 12 news release, said it would be closing 30 to 35 stores in 2026. Wendy’s said in January that it is continuing to evaluate underperforming restaurants that could close this year.
USA TODAY’s Saleen Martin and Mike Snider contributed to this report.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatoday.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
