Having to explain the gap in employment from 2018-2023 would be hard. A requirement for many retail jobs(I don't remember it being this way 10+ years ago) is to list 5-10 years of work history and explain gaps.
If the options are lying or not getting a job, it shouldn’t be a hard decision. Get friends to be fake old bosses. Try to remember a local restaurant that shut down. Do whatever it takes.