[5][6] Initially planned for a 2021 release, it was delayed until the following year after Gummy Cat experienced various production setbacks including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and being targeted by a cryptocurrency scam.

According to Gummy Cat, their influences included games like The Guild (2002), Theme Hospital (1998) and Sierra-published city-builders like Caesar III (1998).

[10][11] Bear and Breakfast was praised for its art style, music, humour and cozy atmosphere, but also received criticism aimed at some of its gameplay mechanics, particularly its pacing, the lack of player freedom and the integration of narrative-driven elements in the management sim formula.

[1] In its review, Rock Paper Shotgun commended the game's "whimsical charm", but also described it as holding a "wealth of untapped potential", criticizing the way in which it rarely allows the player to freely explore and expand, likening this approach to a "well-intentioned but suffocating bear hug".

[14] Conversely, GameSpot felt that the main gameplay loop "has a satisfying rhythm to it and a challenging complexity" and lauded both the game's "delightful management system" and its accessibility.