While awaiting a response, I installed a virgin copy of Abantecart in a test site.
http://test.wehearyou2.net/AbanteCart/ Made no changes except to replace the file
/public_html/....../storefront/controller/blocks/listing_block.php by using the file that is actually in the
Countrysnackbucket.com site ( the one where it doesn't go to a Brand page_
The original test site of course brings up the brands page. The site using the replaced file also brings up the brands page.
The only difference I can find between the functioning test site and the non-functioning real site, is the number of brands that used and that not all of the brands are selected to be on the block.
So I remain at a loss as to what to adjust.