Really need some help...................

My hot dog cart is scheduled to open up this thursday afternoon. I have made some mistakes along the way not understanding the "entire process". Man, have i learned alot!!!
 
There is no way that i can get my home kitchen to pass a health dept. inspection....................just not happening, guess i need a commercial kitchen.
 
I have spent a ton of time developing my own relish and meat sauce...................in an attempt to seperate myself from other vendors. I really want to put my own "stamp" on my cart, sell stuff "homemade" and not out of a can. 
 
How do i go about finding a co-packer nearby that is USDA certified to make my meat sauce???. I  am in connecticut and have done my share of internet surfing trying to find how to do this.
 
Has anyone done this? can you give me an idea of cost? is it worthwhile?
 
THANKS!!!!

Are you looking for someone to make your meat sauce for your cart?  If so, you don't want to get a co-packer.  Co-packers make large quantities, as compared to what you'd use at your cart.  What you need is a commissary where you can make your sauce and relish.

AlDente, The only way its cost effective for you is to use cans of Chili meat topping. You have to sell a lot of Chili to make it cost effective to either have someone else make it, or rent a kitchen. I understand that you want to put signature items on your cart, but lets face it somethngs just can't be done without your own kitchen facilites. Talk with some restaurants in town and see if they will make up a 5 gal bucket a week, they may not like the competition and say no. But its worth a try....................Good luck...........From an old Eastside Bridgeport guy........Bill

Hey AlDente, I was just thinking, every Church in Connecticut has a kitchen that try may let you use as a commercial kitchen. You can also check with the private clubs, Elks, Moose they sometimes lease out the kitchen and that guy may let you cook up a large pot once a week or as needed...............Bill

AlDente, Where are you set up at?