Every town's got its own local fixture—a homely eatery where everyone is welcome, and everyone knows your name. Think back, if you would, to your own hometown. What was that one restaurant whose food you'll never forget? In Hungry Hearts, help a kindly old lady and her bright-eyed granddaughter run a small family eatery in a quiet corner of not quite modern Japan. This casual restaurant management sim comes jam-packed with story, but you'll also need to manage your finances, upgrade your diner...and cook a whole lot of tasty food while you're at it!
On a tiny side street in a nameless little neighborhood of not quite modern Tokyo sits a small, unremarkable Japanese eatery. Above its weather-beaten door an old, faded sign reads: Restaurant Sakura Though long since out of vogue, here in Japan a "restaurant" is an eatery specializing in Western-style fusion food. Back before the era of flashy chain restaurants and snazzy bistros, the humble restaurant had its heyday. Now, well, Restaurant Sakura has seen better days. The taciturn old chef who ran this local fixture passed away the year before last. His kindly wife was about to close up shop for good when the couple's bright-eyed granddaughter stepped forward. With a heart full of determination, she swore to keep the place running and ensure her dear grandpa's recipes live on. Now, the pair are putting a new coat of paint on the place and getting ready for a grand reopening. Let's take a peek inside, and see how they're doing. While we're at it, maybe we should lend a hand. They sure look like they could use the help!