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As major Hollywood studios continue to make their mark in New Jersey, local businesses are eager to welcome the productions, premieres and branded events.

Even though Netflix‘s $900 million flagship East Coast production hub in Monmouth County is still three years away from officially opening, the streaming giant has already filmed numerous pictures here.

Projects from actor-comedian Adam Sandler and his company, Happy Madison Productions, have been some of the most notable. After signing on with Netflix in 2014, Sandler has renewed the partnership twice.

“Happy Gilmore 2,” the newly released sequel to the 1996 hit comedy, featured a dozen golf courses and driving ranges in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Morris, Somerset and Warren counties. Numerous other businesses and institutions also drew screen time, including Stop & Shop in Clifton.

During the three-month shoot last fall, the production spent $152 million locally, according to NJ Advance Media. It received a $62.5 million tax credit, that outlet reported.

Garden State goes glam

When he has down time, Sandler has been spotted grabbing food at restaurants, like Goldberg’s Deli in Millburn and Turning Point in Long Branch, as well as playing basketball at a park in Montclair.

So, when it came time to hold a wrap party for “Roommates,” a Netflix comedy that stars Sandler’s daughter Sadie, of course it was in New Jersey.

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Last week, Sandler and his team hosted the celebration at Collective Ventures Hospitality Group-owned The District, a modern American restaurant and lounge at the Harborside building in Jersey City, according to a press release.

With film studios choosing New Jersey as a backdrop, CVHG says it aims to develop a portfolio of dynamic spaces to host them. In addition to an upcoming rebrand of The District as Opulent, a high-end champagne and cocktail lounge, the hospitality group expects to unveil other concepts soon at Harborside:

• Parlay a sports and entertainment venue designed to be a hub for private events, screenings and wrap parties
• 1776 a slightly more sophisticated take on the flagship 1776 Morristown location that opened in 2021 under Green Group Morristown

Alec Vorcheimer, chief operating officer of CVHG, said, “Whether it’s a wrap party, launch event or cast dinner, our venues are built to match the creativity and energy of the industry itself.”

“CVHG recognized early on that the entertainment industry needs spaces that can deliver private, branded, VIP-level experiences without breaking production budgets,” he said.