Kenny Rogers Roasters, once hailed by an American magazine as offering "the most popular chicken in the United States", recently opened another branch at Yong'anli, just opposite Silk Market.

The list of founders includes country crooner Kenny Rogers and former Kentucky Fried Chicken owner John Y. Brown Jr. But this business is a whole new bird and the people behind the place aren't fry guys but rather, are boasting roasting as the lynchpin of their recipe for success.

Accordingly, the centerpiece of the eatery - both figuratively and literally - is a wood-and-gas-fuelled, glass-walled rotisserie. According to general manager Li Fan, the uniformly 1.4-kg birds that end up here undergo 36 hours of marinating before their 90-minute-long roasting sessions.

These chickens are said to be lower in sodium, fat and calories, in addition to being more tender and tastier than most in the market. Flavorings, for now, include BBQ and black pepper, and if a whole hen's too much for you, grab a plate of BBQ wings.

Currently, the eatery already has more than 200 franchised outlets in the United States and Southeast Asia. Part of its success hinges on the widely held belief that roasted chicken is healthier than fried varieties.

In line with the restaurant's health-food concept, dishes here are prepared using methods widely accepted as healthier, including steaming, boiling and roasting.

In addition to chicken, the place proffers eight salads, BBQ pork chops, grilled fish, American and Oz steaks, and Western-styled rice and noodles.

The corn muffins are among the best found in town, and other sweet treats include cheese cakes and Mexican corn rolls, all of which can be washed down with an extensive drink list including plenty of wines, teas and coffees.

The decor hinges on a fashionable red and white color scheme accentuated with warm-red brick walls. Upon these hang framed photos of Kenny Rogers, whose music can also sometimes be heard playing over the loudspeaker.

Average spending is 50-60 yuan per person.

Location: 12 Jianwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. East of LG Twin Towers, Jianwai Yong'anli
Opening hours: 11am-10:30pm
Tel: 010-6566-9238