Soliek is right. it’s only extortion IF they charged MORE then they charge other establishments. Just because YOU don’t want to pay the going rate, doesn’t mean its EXTORTION.
In a neighborhood with a REAL Vaad, its financal suicide to open without their Hasgacha. The rabbonim will (and have) said from the pulpit ” The following store is NOT under the Vaad.”
As far as the Vaad giving her a break:
Will she open her books to show them when she IS making money?
What makes her different then any other store?
KFB – you said ” i thought the vaad was supposed to help restaurants..”
NO THEY ARE NOT – THEY ARE HERE TO HELP PEOPLE EAT KOSHER!!!
The VAAD HATZEDAKKA is the one that disburses charity, not the Kashrus Vaad.