If the group does not want food to be provided, then I would think yes, the fee was too high.......let everyone bring their own whatever.....it's only three hours...most people can live without food/ drink for that short period....so if the owner just opens her shop to the group for gratis, maybe she'll get some sales.........maybe on that day/evening offer something for sale, or discount, or points toward something, or some sort of incentive to "shop" and sew.....just some quick thoughts.....