Paying out paid vacation time after quitting NYC restaurant

Location: Brooklyn, New York

So I just quit my job and have been working at this restaurant for eight months.

When I started, I signed a contract stating clearly my salary, and that I would receive one week paid vacation time after only six months. It’s a short and very straightforward contract. There’s really no room for interpretation.

It’s my understanding that in New York if you leave a job they are required by law to pay out any unused vacation time. Correct?

Now the restaurant is in a lot of financial trouble, and the owner has been very shady about answering me when I ask to have it paid out.

What is the best way to proceed to ensure that I’m paid what I am due. Even though the owner/LLC doesn’t appear to have the money to pay me or is unwilling to?

Thank you